PROFILE | Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, RISE Mzansi’s Vuyiswa Ramokgopa

JOHANNESBURG - While the sidelining of young people in crucial public positions remains a debated issue, there seems to be some progress in promoting inclusivity.

At 38 years old, RISE Mzansi’s Vuyiswa Ramokgopa is the youngest MEC in Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s newly sworn-in Cabinet.

Just a year after she joined the political arena, the Hillbrow-born politician was recently appointed as the Agriculture and Rural Development MEC in the province.

READ: New Gauteng Agriculture MEC Ramokgopa wants to focus on growing small-scale farmers

Ramokgopa was abroad when she received a call on 4 July, alerting her that she would be announced as one of the executives serving in Lesufi’s Cabinet.

Ramokgopa, who spent her formative years in the Johannesburg CBD, where she was born, said it came as a surprise that she's been entrusted to serve as a member of the executive council.

“One of the key things that I always reflect on is the fact that I am a Gauteng native, born and bred. Three generations, actually, are Gauteng natives - so, my parents are here, my parents’ parents are here. So, coming into this role and being able to serve the province of Gauteng is quite an honour for me.”

The newly appointed MEC has spent the last 15 years pursuing a career in entrepreneurship before honouring an invitation to launch and lead the RISE Mzansi party.

“I've also had the experience in my own career of leading different types of organisations and institutions, and I think ultimately, being the political leader, you are not a technocrat. It's up to you to provide strategic leadership.”

While Ramokgopa is still new in the political arena, she said she's up to the task of serving the public effectively.