By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Gauteng African National Congress (ANC) Co-Provincial Convener Panyaza Lesufi has taken a swipe at the Democratic Alliance (DA), saying their mantra of excellence where they govern is not entirely true.
Lesufi was speaking at the ANC Gauteng Provincial Lekgotla held at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways on Saturday.
The Lekgotla, themed “The Year of Renewal – Making the ANC a More Effective Instrument of the People to Achieve the Vision of the Freedom Charter,” aims to deliberate on critical challenges and develop strategies for upcoming elections, rebuild public trust, and strengthen ANC structures at all levels.
The party said the key objectives include addressing issues raised in the 2025 State of the Province Address, formulating election strategies, and enhancing community engagement.
The organisation said the event would also focus on implementing the ANC NEC Lekgotla Programme of Action to improve governance and internal cohesion.
The ANC and the DA became part of the National Government Unity after the ANC failed to secure the majority vote in the last general elections, however, the two parties disagree on various policy matters.
Lesufi said, working with the DA in the GNU does not make them alliances.
Gauteng’s seventh administration cabinet excludes the DA, which holds 22 seats in the legislature, the EFF (11 seats), uMkhonto Wesizwe (eight), ActionSA (three), Freedom Front Plus (two) and Build One SA and the African Christian Democratic Party (one each). The ANC has 28 seats.
He said that Gauteng remained firmly committed to its stance against the DA.
The premier added, the DA still remain the enemy of the people that want to defend the interest of their people.
The DA has repeatedly claimed the current administration in Gauteng is refusing to publicly release over 100 forensic investigation reports into corruption at the provincial government.
Lesufi has also used his recent visit to the Marry Me informal settlement in Soshanguve to blame illegal foreigners for many of the problems faced by the provincial government. He said the majority of people living there were undocumented.
“We can’t have an informal settlement where over 65% of its citizens are undocumented foreign citizens. It must come to an end.”
“Everyone knows our ubuntu, but our ubuntu cannot be abused.”
Lesufi said he had spoken to President Cyril Ramaphosa and some ministers about the problem of illegal immigration.
“If we can’t formally take a decision on how best we manage this situation, we must forget about everything we want to do.
Meanwhile Lesufi in his cap as first citizen of the province, said an independent forensic company was appointed to investigate the high costs associated with renting offices for government departments.
He outlined steps to address the issue, including conducting a cost-benefit analysis of owning vs leasing buildings and assisting the provincial government in optimising or selling vacant properties. The government will also explore private sector partnerships to repurpose underused buildings into mixed-use developments.
Lesufi emphasised the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and efficient use of public resources.
“We want to ensure strict compliance with the Public Finance Management Act and supply chain regulations while scrutinising expenditure on leased properties.”