Panyaza Lesufi’s Leadership in Gauteng at Risk as ANC Weighs Dissolution of Provincial Committee

Panyaza Lesufi’s tenure as the leader of the ANC Gauteng is on the line, as the ANC national leadership deliberates the possibility of dissolving the provincial executive committee (PEC) over poor election results. The national working committee (NWC) met in Boksburg on November 28, discussing the disbandment of the Gauteng PEC following a disappointing performance in the May 2024 elections.

Election Results Spark Criticism

The ANC’s share of votes in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal has dropped significantly. In Gauteng, the ANC’s support plummeted from 50.19% in 2019 to just 34.76% in 2024. The results in KwaZulu-Natal were similarly concerning, with a drop from 54.2% to 17%. These losses have sparked discontent within the ANC leadership, particularly as President Cyril Ramaphosa seeks unity within the party amidst the challenges posed by a multiparty government of national unity (GNU).

Lesufi Under Fire for Opposition to GNU

Lesufi, who is Gauteng’s Premier, has been a vocal opponent of the GNU, a stance that has caused tension within the ANC. Critics have suggested that his resistance to the unity government, particularly in collaboration with the Democratic Alliance (DA), has embarrassed Ramaphosa, who is trying to align the party for the future.

An insider source revealed that Lesufi could be sidelined from any temporary leadership role, with Nomhantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, the current deputy of Lesufi in Gauteng and MEC for Health, potentially taking over as the interim provincial convenor. This shift would serve to distance the ANC from Lesufi’s controversial stance.

ANC’s Internal Struggles and Power Dynamics

The discussions within the ANC have also raised concerns about the party’s internal power struggles. Sources close to the matter indicated that while Deputy President Paul Mashatile is inclined to keep the Gauteng PEC intact, there is a strong push from the national leadership for change. The ANC faces a delicate balancing act, as any drastic moves could risk alienating key figures within the party, particularly from Gauteng, a province vital to the ANC’s political future.

The Influence of ANC Allies and Party Relations

As tensions rise, the ANC is also mindful of its relationships with key alliance partners, such as the South African Communist Party (SACP), which has threatened to contest elections independently. This move is seen as a challenge to the unity of the party and could signal the end of the longstanding ANC-SACP alliance. However, the ANC seems prepared to act decisively, even at the cost of losing some members.

Political analyst Daniel Silke highlighted that the ongoing tension over the formation of the GNU is spilling over into the ANC’s succession battles. Silke pointed out that Lesufi’s opposition to the unity government makes him a key figure in these internal struggles. “Lesufi has openly distanced himself from the GNU, making him a target for those looking to align with Ramaphosa’s vision for a unified ANC,” Silke explained.

The fate of Panyaza Lesufi and the Gauteng PEC hangs in the balance as the ANC’s leadership grapples with the fallout from the election results. Should the Gauteng PEC be dissolved, the provincial leadership will likely be replaced by an interim task team to steer the party through this turbulent period.

For now, the outcome of the NWC’s meeting remains unclear, and the political future of Lesufi is uncertain. The stakes are high in Gauteng, as the province is a critical battleground for the ANC’s future success and its ability to maintain control over key provinces.

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