‘Premier of no action’: DA takes swipe at Panyaza Lesufi

The Democratic Alliance (DA) says Gauteng residents should anticipate more of the same type of service delivery from newly elected Premier Panyaza Lesufi.

Lesufi was elected the new Premier on Thursday 6 October 2022 at a special sitting held at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) following the resignation of David Makhura who had been in the position for 8 years. 

DA WEIGHS IN ON PANYAZA LESUFI

Lesufi was up against the DDA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga and beat him by 16 votes. The new Gauteng Premier bagged 38 votes for the coveted seat, while Msimanga only got 22. A total of 60 votes were cast and 13 members of the legislature did not participate in the vote.

Solly Msimanga said they do not expect the former Education MEC to do anything different and Gauteng residents will continue to suffer under the leadership of the ANC.

Msimanga said corruption will continue unabated, and there will be no value for money when tenders are awarded.

[IN PICTURES]: Premier Panyaza @Lesufi elected and sworn in at the @GPLegislature today, 6 October 2022. #GrowingGautengTogether pic.twitter.com/Kt8XqthvjC

— Gauteng Provincial Gov (@GautengProvince) October 6, 2022

“Just like Makhura who was unable to execute and implement policies in place that will better the lives of our residents, Lesufi will also be blocked by his political masters and will not be able to make strategic decisions that will benefit the residents of our province.

“If Lesufi is committed to changing how the provincial government does things, he will ensure that all lifestyle audits are completed before the end of the year and that officials implicated in the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) tender scandal are brought to book.”

Solly Msimanga

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The DA also urged Lesufi to publicly denounce his previous divisive statements around the Afrikaans language in public if he is really committed to building a non-racial and non-segregated Gauteng.

Prior to his election on Thursday, President Cyril 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.  

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