​Staff Writer
Appointing the new MEC for Social Development Faith Mazibuko on Wednesday, 3 July 2024, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi apologised to the Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) for the recent non-payment of subsidies and funding to the sector. 
Lesufi said government urgently needed to protect the weak, the poor and the vulnerable.
"Our relationship with NGOs is of utmost importance. Unfortunately, there were serious missteps, and we need to rectify this.  Our NGOs are doing invaluable work on behalf of government, and they must be treated with the utmost respect.  They are not doing us a favour," said Lesufi, emphasising the value of their work.  
He further noted that the government needed to duplicate the work that NGOs do and ensure that they run a seamless institution together that does not give them headaches and troubles.
"It is within this context that I want to wholeheartedly apologise to this sector for the pain and the misery that they are going through.  
"I have decided to appoint MEC Faith Mazibuko to be the MEC responsible for Social Development so that she can repair this relationship, provide shelter to the homeless, and support the poor and vulnerable in our society," said Lesufi. 
Mazibuko was moved from the Community Safety portfolio, which is now operating under the Office of the Premier.