Panyaza Lesufi survives… for now

By Zukile Majova
Political Editor

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has survived a grilling with ANC officials after he criticised the party’s decision to form a government of national unity (GNU).

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mabalula said the officials had to call Lesufi to a meeting to explain himself because there was a perception that the ANC in Gauteng was against the GNU.

Mbalula said Lesufi told the ANC bosses that his comments were distorted, and the ANC accepted his explanation.

“Panyaza explained himself to the officials about the issues that we raised with him. His explanation was that [his comments were] distorted. 

“We have a responsibility as the ANC to ensure that discipline and democratic centralism reigns supreme,” said Mbalula.

Lesufi has been accused of leading the campaign to remove Cilliers Brink, the former DA mayor of Tshwane, despite the ANC and the DA being the main partners in the GNU.

Even though the ANC won just 35% of the vote in Gauteng, Lesufi formed a government with other parties and excluded the DA.

DA federal chairperson Helen Zille has told the ANC that Brink’s removal would force it to withdraw from coalition negotiations in eThekwini, Nelson Mandela Bay, and Ekurhuleni.

Effective GNU governance heavily depends on political stability and sound financial management in metros across the country.

On Tuesday, Mbalula said the ANC was still engaged in last-minute talks with the DA ahead of a council meeting in Tshwane on Wednesday, at which a new mayor may be elected.

“We are engaging with all political parties to constitute government in Tshwane,” said Mbalula. 

“We have engaged the DA about what must happen in Tshwane. And there is no agreement between us and the DA at the present moment. Brink was removed through a vote of no confidence posed by ActionSA with the support of the ANC.”

ActionSA founder Herman Mashaba said the ANC and ActionSA are discussing whether an ActionSA member should become mayor of Tshwane.

Pictured above: Panyaza Lesufi.

Source: X