Lesufi survives DA no-confidence bid, parties slam motion as political opportunism

November 14, 2025 13

Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, has survived a series of political blows after the Democratic Alliance (DA)’s motion of no confidence against him was decisively rejected by the Gauteng Provincial Legislature on Friday.

The DA accused Lesufi of unlawfully establishing the now-discontinued AmaPanyaza Crime Prevention Warden Unit — a programme it claims cost the province more than R2-billion and was implemented without a legal mandate. The party also alleged that Lesufi withheld forensic reports pointing to corruption involving senior officials.

This was the first attempt to remove the Premier since the formation of his minority government and tensions flared early when the DA’s opening address was interrupted by a dramatic entrance from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and other parties.

The DA filed its motion three weeks ago, citing the abrupt shutdown of the wardens Lesufi introduced ahead of the 2024 elections. While some residents supported the initiative as a response to crime and unemployment, critics questioned its legality from the start.

DA provincial leader, Solly Msimanga, further alleged that the first group of trainees in Cullinan had endured inhumane conditions.

As the debate unfolded, several political parties strongly opposed the motion, dismissing it as opportunistic and an attempt to destabilise the Government of National Unity (GNU).

The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party accused the DA of acting out of frustration after failing to secure positions in the provincial administration. The EFF’s Gauteng Deputy Chairperson, Phillip Makwala, criticised the GNU, arguing the legislature must not be used for “political barter trading”.

He also described the Crime Prevention Unit as a quick employment scheme.

The Patriotic Alliance’s, Ewan Botha, called the motion a political gimmick.

RISE Mzansi also rejected the motion, saying it was driven by desperation rather than accountability.

When voting concluded, Speaker Morakane Mosupyoe announced the outcome: of the 80 MPLs present, 54 voted against the motion, 24 supported it, and one abstained — firmly keeping Lesufi in office.

Celebrations erupted in the chamber as parties broke into song and chants following the announcement.

Responding to the defeat, Msimanga told YNews the vote revealed which parties truly had residents’ best interests at heart, adding that the DA would continue to hold Lesufi accountable.

Addressing supporters outside, Premier Lesufi said parties that rejected the motion had demonstrated that they represent the hopes and aspirations of ordinary South Africans. He vowed to intensify efforts to “reclaim and fix systems” that continue to fail the province.

“All political parties that represent the aspirations of our people came together and to make it, all political parties that represent the future came together to defeat racists in our country. What has happened in this legislature comrades, you have no idea. We are reclaiming what belongs to our people. We are re-energised to confront the racists head-on. We are tired of racists. Their time is over,” said Lesufi.

The Premier reiterated that the disbanded wardens would be repurposed, with some expected to undergo full training to serve as Gauteng Traffic wardens.