Gauteng SOPA opposition parties

New Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi. Image: Facebook/Panyaza Lesufi

‘He is up to the task’: Ramaphosa backs Lesufi as Gauteng Premier

President Cyril Ramaphosa says Panyaza Lesufi who was announced as Gauteng Premier-elect is up to the task.

Gauteng SOPA opposition parties

New Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi. Image: Facebook/Panyaza Lesufi

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced Gauteng Education MEC, Panyaza Lesufi as the preferred Premier-elect in the province. 

This comes as David Makhura handed over his resignation as Gauteng Premier on Tuesday, 4 October which will be effective on Thursday, 6 October 2022. 

PANYAZA LESUFI ANNOUNCED GAUTENG PREMIER-ELECT

On Tuesday, Ramaphosa said Lesufi is up to the task and will be well supported by members of the PEC.

“It is a smooth transition. Makhura went public himself saying that he would be leaving, so there is no drama. It is all being well executed. We wish the new Premier well,” Ramaphosa said.  

The Gauteng Legislature is set to vote for a new Premier on Thursday, 6 October. The African National Congress (ANC) has a majority of members in the Legislature which will assist Lesufi to successfully take over as Premier even if some opposition parties vote against him. 

Lesufi who was voted ANC Chairperson in Gauteng during an elective conference earlier this year has been vocal about the renewal of the ANC in the province and also vowed to bring about change to ensure that the ruling party redeems itself to its former “glory” in Gauteng.  

ALSO READ: Panyaza Lesufi to lead ANC in Gauteng after highly contested race

The ANC used to govern all the big metros in SA’s wealthiest province namely; the City of Tshwane, City of Ekurhuleni and the City of Johannesburg however the ruling party lost power and all these metros are now governed through coalitions led by the Democratic Alliance (except for Johannesburg for now). 

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