Leading from the front while running a big portfolio
LOYISO Masuku, member of the mayoral committee (MMC) for group corporate and shared services in the City of Joburg is currently the youngest black female to have ever been appointed as the leader of executive business within the public sector.
She is 35-years old and has bigger plans to transform government’s workplace. As the youngest female MMC in the economic hub, her department ensures that the city’s administration is solid, dependable and reliable.
Masuku has a vast range of responsibilities that include human resources shared services; labour relations; administration and support; facilities management and maintenance; occupational health and safety management; finance, fleet and contract management. local unity.
“My portfolio needs to provide a conducive, supportive, healthy and safe working environment to employees so they can effectively and efficiently deliver quality services.”
Also, as a young activist, one of her values is the pursuit of justice for those that are vulnerable, in particular women and children who “find themselves in spaces where they must negotiate their existence against a patriarchal system that oppresses them.
“When I took an oath of this office, I knew that I want to be a leader that is available to the people I lead on issues that affect them. Leaders that are not available to the people never really know what is expected of them,” she said.
She is married to Dr Bandile
Masuku, MEC for Health in Gauteng, but says this has not influenced her path.
“My focus has always been on finding my own way and sticking to my area of work. I have never felt the pressure of being married to a public figure,” she said.
Regarding Covid-19, Masuku has spent her time providing a conducive, supportive, healthy and safe working environment.
She also wants to establish a healthy working relationship between the city and organised labour.
“My biggest goal is to help the youth to be employable. We need to close the gap in skills shortages through offering learnerships, bursaries and internships that will assist to equip young people,” she added.