Gauteng Premier David Makhura resignation will come into effect as of tomorrow, even though he resigned yesterday A special sitting is scheduled by the Gauteng Provincial Legislature for tomorrow afternoon. The ANC caucus in the provincial legislature will be briefed by the party's leadership on the new developments ahead of the sitting. Zimoja had previously reported that Makhura was ready to let go of his position as the Gauteng Premier. Sights are set on the current chairperson Panyaza Lesufi as a replacement. Provincial spokesperson Lesego Makhubela said,"On Thursday, there will be the election of a new premier. So all MPLs will come to the legislature to elect the new premier.The African National Congress has expressed itself on its chairperson, that the chairperson will then take over the baton in what has been a very seamless smooth transition," Makhubela said.

SMOOTH TRANSITION

In a statement Makhura said he was honoured to have been elected the sixth premier of Gauteng Province. "I have served the people of Gauteng with humility and the utmost dedication and integrity for eight years. At the 14th ANC Provincial Conference, I passed the baton to the newly elected leadership collective led by comrade Panyaza Lesufi," said Makhura. He said he has several engagements with the leadership of the ruling party on the timing and details of the handover. "This is to ensure a smooth transition in the interest of the province and our people. The ANC has been seized with this matter for weeks and has now completed its internal processes."

PARTY'S RENEWED MANDATE

The top six of the ANC's national executive committee interviewed three candidates for the position of Premier on Monday. The interviews were initially scheduled for September 23, but were postponed. The three candidates who have been interviewed are provincial working committee member Kedibone Diale, Lesufi and deputy provincial secretary and MEC of infrastructure Tasneem Motara. If Lesufi is elected, he will also have to be replaced as MEC for Education in the province. With many vouching for Lesufi, ANC Gauteng Secretary, TK Nciza, said Lesufi would be able to carry out the party's renewed mandate to reconnect with citizens in the province. Nciza said it was too soon for some to write the ruling party off because it is coming back stronger. He said they plan to restore the faith of the citizens by addressing the issue of housing and potholes.