DA threatens no-confidence motion against Lesufi

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng has threatened to file a motion of no confidence against Premier Panyaza Lesufi, blaming him for the province’s crime problem.

The DA today led an anti-crime campaign and protested outside the premier’s offices in Johannesburg, raising concerns about rampant crime and chronic under-resourcing at police stations across the province.

The protest comes amid growing frustration from both residents and opposition parties, who say Lesufi has failed to take meaningful action to address crime.

DA provincial leader, Solly Msimanga, warned that Lesufi’s days in office are numbered, accusing him of being unwilling to work with opposition parties or consider their input on matters affecting communities.

During the demonstration, the party handed over a memorandum summarising a four-year report that highlighted critical challenges at 144 police stations across the province, including a lack of holding cells, vehicles, and staff.

Lesufi, who had reportedly committed to receiving the memorandum in person, did not attend. His absence was met with anger by residents who had joined the protest.

Some residents told YNews, they live in constant fear and have lost faith in the police, who, they allege, are sometimes complicit with criminals.

Many said the Premier’s no-show proved he is “out of touch with reality.”

In response, Lesufi the DA’s threat as nothing more than political opportunism.

The Premier’s spokesperson, Sizwe Pamla, defended the administration, citing several crime prevention programs introduced under Lesufi’s leadership.

Pamla also reiterated that policing is a national mandate, and that issues around police capacity should be escalated through the Government of National Unity (GNU).

 

The row comes as Johannesburg’s 2025/26 budget has allocates R2.3 billion for public safety, including R16 million for a smart surveillance and an ‘Inner-City War Room’ aimed at fighting crime.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe