ANC Faces Backlash Over Summoning Panyaza Lesufi
- Panyaza Lesufi, the Gauteng chairperson of the African National Congress, has been summoned by the party due to his outspoken opposition to the Government of National Unity.
- Lesufi has consistently voiced his concerns about the inclusion of the Democratic Alliance in the Government of National Unity, making no secret of his disapproval.
- His recent Twitter spat with DA Federal Chair Helen Zille drew support from South Africans online, with many praising Lesufi for standing firm in his convictions.
With over seven years of experience at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News, Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News current affairs journalist, brings valuable insights into the complex world of South African politics, governance at national, provincial, and local levels, the dynamics of the Government of National Unity, political party interactions, and parliamentary processes.
JOHANNESBURG — The people of South Africa are standing firmly by Gauteng Premier and ANC Gauteng Chairperson Panyaza Lesufi after the ANC called him in for questioning over his vocal criticism of the Government of National Unity. This situation has sparked widespread debate and solidarity from the public, who see Lesufi as a leader unafraid to speak his mind.
Why the ANC Summoned Panyaza
As reported by TimesLIVE, Lesufi was summoned to face national ANC officials regarding his public statements criticizing the Government of National Unity. His stance against the Democratic Alliance’s involvement in the coalition has been clear from the start. Lesufi believes that the DA's approach undermines the principles of the ANC and the broader vision for South Africa’s governance. This sentiment has fueled tensions, especially during negotiations for a Government of Provincial Unity in Gauteng, which have repeatedly broken down due to Lesufi’s resistance to what he perceives as DA overreach.
Read also:Can You Bring Alcohol On A Plane What You Need To Know
The situation escalated further when Lesufi engaged in a heated exchange on X (formerly Twitter) with DA Federal Chair Helen Zille. Zille criticized the ANC for aligning with ActionSA to oust Cillier Brink as the mayor of Tshwane. In response, Lesufi fired back, defending the ANC’s position and reaffirming his commitment to the party’s values. The exchange went viral, drawing attention to the ongoing tensions between these political factions.
Public Support for Lesufi
Social media users wasted no time in voicing their support for Lesufi, particularly on platforms like Facebook. Many expressed admiration for his integrity and unwavering stance, labeling him as a true representative of the people. Below are some of the comments that reflect the public sentiment:
Ngezi Cromza remarked:
"The compromised ones will always try and defend the indefensible. Lesufi stands for something real, and that’s why he’s being targeted."
Alson Zwane added:
"Panyaza is not a sellout like some other leaders of the ANC. He’s sticking to his principles, and that’s what we need more of in politics today."
Win Ston echoed similar sentiments:
"Panyaza is still and will remain the voice of the voiceless. Being an ANC member is about serving your country with integrity and courage. He’s doing just that."
Menzi Zukula offered a forward-thinking perspective:
Read also:A Bus Driverrsquos Journey Finding Strength After Loss
"Lesufi is playing the long game. He knows that history will judge him kindly for standing up for what’s right, even when it’s unpopular."
Makasela Makasela Makasela concluded:
"His conscience is clear unless you’re trying to force him into a decision that doesn’t align with his beliefs. That’s not leadership; that’s coercion."
Lesufi Takes Aim at Dada Morero
In addition to his clashes with the DA, Lesufi has also joined others in criticizing Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero. The controversy arose after Morero suggested that the Johannesburg Metro Police Department consider hiring foreign nationals to assist in combating crime. This proposal drew criticism from various quarters, with Lesufi joining the chorus of disapproval. His critique highlights concerns about prioritizing local solutions and ensuring that policies align with the needs and expectations of South African citizens.
This latest development underscores Lesufi’s commitment to addressing issues that matter to the people of Gauteng and beyond. Whether it’s standing up to coalition partners or challenging questionable policies, Lesufi continues to make waves in the political landscape, earning both praise and scrutiny along the way.
