Gauteng residents have been betrayed by political parties, including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), ActionSA, uMkhonto we Sizwe Party, Rise Mzansi, and Build One South Africa (BOSA), who opposed the motion of no confidence against Premier Panyaza Lesufi. This is despite these political parties previously condemning his poor leadership, which continues to burden the people of Gauteng.
Rather than acting on their own criticism of Lesufi over the Amapanyaza scandal, his shielding of corrupt officials by refusing to release lifestyle audits, his decision to keep forensic reports hidden while ignoring their recommendations, and failure to dismiss senior managers in Gauteng departments implicated in corruption, they have folded and chosen not to hold him accountable.
Should we be surprised? No.
See below the responses from some political parties here, here, here, and here.
Most of these political parties are aligned with the ANC and are more focused on protecting their own positions than serving the interests of the people. Their actions suggest a willingness to prioritise political convenience over accountability and good governance.
For example, ActionSA is currently part of the governing coalition in Tshwane, and its leaders in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) may have feared that voting against Lesufi could jeopardise their position there, including the possibility of Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya’s removal.
The IFP currently holds an MMC position in the ANC-run City of Johannesburg, and they cannot risk losing it, despite having previously criticised Lesufi for neglecting the welfare of hostel residents, the very community it claims to represent.
Rise Mzansi’s Vuyiswa Ramokgopa serves as MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development in Lesufi’s executive. Given the importance of this role, her party was likely hesitant to challenge the Premier, fearing losing the position and their overall influence.
Although not governing with the ANC anywhere in Gauteng, both the EFF, BOSA and MK Party fell into the trap of letting their vendetta against the DA take precedence over the needs of the people of Gauteng.
This cowardly consensus among these parties is a damning indictment of what they are truly about: all talk and no action. This happens while the people of Gauteng continue to endure poor service delivery because the centre cannot hold.
History will judge these political parties for turning a blind eye to save a Premier who has clearly proven unfit for office. It will, however, absolve the DA for standing as a voice of reason, focused on the interests of the people rather than on power and positions.
We commend the FF+ for prioratising principle over political expediency by supporting the DA’s motion. The ACDP should have gone a step further than abstaining on the vote.
The DA will continue to push for Lesufi’s removal, as his prolonged tenure threatens to deteriorate our province. We will stand together with the people of Gauteng, undeterred by those whose pursuit of power overshadows their sense of responsibility.
Please find attached soundbite by Solly Msimanga MPL.