Lesufi Draws Line in the Sand: ANC Gauteng Cracks Down on Factionalism, Warns Rebels as 2027 Talk Sparks Tension
1008533259__20260128__0 Gauteng Provincial Task Team (PTT) co-convenor Panyaza Lesufi has called on ANC members to focus on the unity of the ANC rather than leadership squabbles ahead of the provincial elective conference in May.
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
Gauteng ANC Provincial Task Team co-convenor Panyaza Lesufi has issued a blunt warning to party members challenging regional leadership outcomes, drawing a firm line against factionalism as the province heads toward its elective conference in May.
Speaking at the ANC’s 114th anniversary celebrations in Braamfischerville, Soweto, Lesufi defended the legitimacy of the Greater Johannesburg regional conference and cautioned against premature succession debates, saying internal instability threatens both party renewal and service delivery.
His remarks come amid growing tensions following challenges to recent regional leadership results, with some members refusing to recognise newly elected Greater Johannesburg chairperson Loyiso Masuku.
Lesufi insisted the outcomes of the conference stand, despite acknowledged administrative irregularities.
“This regional conference of Greater Johannesburg is a legitimate gathering of the African National Congress. Its outcomes are final, and as we speak, this conference and its leadership are not contested in any court of law,” Lesufi said.
He warned that members who undermine democratically elected leadership would face consequences, stressing that the party could not afford “permanent instability”.
While conceding there had been problems involving ballot papers and boxes, Lesufi said national leadership was addressing those lapses.
Turning to growing succession chatter, Lesufi shut down early campaigning for the ANC’s 2027 elective conference, reiterating that President Cyril Ramaphosa remains the party’s only leader.
“We are not interested in factions or succession battles right now. If you are already campaigning for 2027, we are telling you to sit down because we have work to do,” he said.
Masuku echoed the call for unity, urging ANC deployees to return to grassroots engagement and prioritise service delivery as the party prepares for upcoming local government elections.
She stressed that internal divisions weaken governance and undermine public trust, calling on leaders to honour the “Masiye ebantwini” mandate by being visible in communities.
DAILY NEWS