DA accuses Panyaza Lesufi of sabotaging Tshwane’s governance ahead of 2026 Elections
DA slams Panyaza Lesufi, accusing him of sabotaging Tshwane governance and deflecting blame to distract from the ANC’s weak 2026 election prospects.
Image: Facebook/Gauteng Provincial Government
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has hit back at Gauteng Premier and African National Congress (ANC) provincial leader Panyaza Lesufi, who at the weekend blamed the DA for the decline in service delivery in Tshwane.
The DA emphasised that Lesufi is deflecting blame to mask what it calls “a dismal ANC offer” ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
DA Tshwane Caucus Leader Cilliers Brink said: “Lesufi is providing forward cover for what can only be a dismal ANC offer in the 2026 local government elections.”
He contended that since losing control of councils in Gauteng, Lesufi and the ANC have actively sought to render them ungovernable.
Brink highlighted Lesufi’s direct involvement in a failed 2020 attempt by the provincial executive to dissolve Tshwane’s council, using the chaos caused by ANC and EFF councillor walkouts as justification.
That intervention, led by provincial administrators from Lesufi’s ANC faction, left the city with an operating deficit of over R4 billion, he said.
In 2023, Brink stated that Lesufi actively lobbied for Dr Murunwa Makwarela to become mayor, despite concerns regarding his eligibility. Makwarela was compelled to resign within days after it was revealed that he was an unrehabilitated insolvent who had falsified a High Court order.
Brink said this was just one of several attempts by Lesufi to install ANC-aligned mayors in Tshwane, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni.
Brink added that since the ANC returned to influence through a backroom deal with ActionSA leaders, service delivery in Tshwane has deteriorated sharply.
He said money intended for critical water and electricity infrastructure has been redirected to water tankers and security contracts. One of the security firms that received contracts reportedly belongs to ANC deputy mayor Bonzo Modise, raising serious questions about conflicts of interest.
“Lesufi’s legacy as MEC, Premier and Gauteng ANC leader has not just been one of failure, but of active sabotage of attempts at good government,” Brink said.
IOL contacted the Premier's spokesperson and the ANC in Gauteng for comment but did not receive a response by the time of publication. The story will be updated once comments are received.
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