Lesufi survives DA's no-confidence vote over Amapanyaza scandal

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi on Friday survived his first vote of no confidence in the provincial legislature, which was tabled by Democratic Alliance (DA) in a bid to remove him over the Gauteng crime wardens, widely known as “Amapanyaza.”

The DA filed the motion three weeks ago. 

It was the first time Lesufi has faced such an attempt since the formation of his minority government last year.

The motion followed a finding by Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka that Lesufi had established an unlawful policing structure through the deployment of the Amapanyaza. 

After their disbandment, Lesufi said the wardens would be “repurposed”, with some to be sent for full training as Gauteng traffic wardens.

DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga previously said the party had engaged other parties in the legislature to back the move.

Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature confirmed that all 80 members were present for the vote of no confidence, with 54 voting against and 24 in favour. 

One member abstained, and the Speaker does not vote.

Following the announcement, ANC members in the chamber broke into celebratory songs as Lesufi survived the motion.

Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) had previously said that if the DA wanted its support for the motion, it must apologise for previously referring to the party as “enemy number one” and its leaders as “dangerous demagogues.”

ActionSA Gauteng provincial chairperson and caucus leader Funzi Ngobeni also confirmed receiving a letter from the DA seeking support for the motion.

“It must also be said that many of the shortcomings highlighted by the DA - maladministration, poor leadership and failures of governance - could have been avoided had the DA not supported Mr Lesufi’s nomination as premier in June 2024,” Ngobeni said.

He added that the DA should apologise to Gauteng residents for “its historic misjudgement” before seeking the moral authority to correct it.

MK Party national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela earlier told IOL News that the party would not support anything associated with the DA.

“The MK Party will not touch, associate with, or support anything that has got to do with the DA and its political posture,” Ndhlela said.

“We are totally on opposite ends in terms of how this country must advance. The DA’s position on its policy direction is totally different from what the MK Party stands for.”

He added, The DA does not stand for our people, and by virtue we cannot support anything that the DA does because their posture will be against what we stand for as the party and our people.”

Lesufi, who is also the ANC provincial chairperson, previously said he was unconcerned by the DA’s announcement.

IOL