New mayoral committee ‘will catapult Jozi into a new era’

29 August 2016

 

The 10 newly appointed Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) of the City of Johannesburg represented multi political parties, race, gender and a shared vision of improving the lives of Johannesburg residents, Executive Mayor Cllr Herman Mashaba said at a media conference on Friday August 26.

 

Cllr Mashaba said each MMC would be responsible for working with the administration to “catapult Johannesburg into a new era”.

He said the new MMCs would, among promises made during the run-up to the August 3 local government elections, focus on addressing the high rate of unemployment, creation of equal opportunities, eradication of corruption, increased accountability and respect for the law.

The new MMCs are Professor Rabelani Dagada (Finance), Dr Valencia Ntombi Khumalo (Shared and Corporate Services), William Still (Environment and Infrastructure Services), Dr Mpho Louisa Phalatse (Health and Social Development), Michael Sun (Public Safety), Nonhlanhla Sifumba (Community Development), Sharon Peetz (Economic Development), Richard Funzela Ngobeni (Development Planning), Mzobani Ntuli (Housing) and Nonhlanhla Helen Makhuba (Transport).

“These people were not chosen because they are close friends or deployed as payback or because they are cadres. These professionals were chosen for their ability to deliver to the people of Johannesburg, especially the underprivileged,” Mayor Mashaba said.

“Voters need to be thanked for what they have done for this country. By calling for leadership that comprises coalitions, the voters have called for negotiations and engagement. The days of political abuse of society are over. This team is made up of doctors, a professor, community development activists and, above all, people with a deep love for this city and people with a passion for development. These are people who want the best for this city. The sole consideration for these positions was their ability to deliver and their willingness to serve the people of Johannesburg, especially the underprivileged,” said Cllr Mashaba, who was celebrating his 57th birthday.

“It is important for the people of Johannesburg to identify and connect with our team. It is important to remember that leadership is about how your ethical and moral leadership affect the people you serve. It is about being a true public servant.”

Prof Dagada, who has a PhD degree, is an author, associate professor, development economist and a policy fellow at the South African Institute for Race Relations.

Dr Khumalo possesses a PhD degree in Health Professions Education and a Master’s degree in Somatology. She has been lecturing at the University of Johannesburg since 2008. Still is an Oxford University graduate with a Master’s degree in Philosophy. He served as the DA branch chairperson from 1987 to 1996.

Dr Phalatse is a trained general practitioner, while Public Safety MMC Sun is an attorney and former shadow minister. Sifumba is a former DA shadow MMC of Community Development and DA proportional representative councillor.

MMC Peetz is a former Shadow MMC of Economic Development. Ntuli is an Inkatha Freedom Party member, while Makhuba is a former IFP Member of Parliament.

Mayor Mashaba said he would soon engage the various city entities and departments to assess what is required.“In time we will announce a deliverable and practical solution on how the City will progress,” he added.