Cape Town — Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, has thanked the South African Congress (SACP) for its unwavering support of him during the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Lesufi was one of the speakers during the SACP National Congress in Boksburg on Thursday, and he thanked the SACP for standing by him as he was being attacked over his approach to the GNU, The Citizen reported.
“We were attacked but the SACP stood with us. When we advanced the programmes of our people we were called names, but the SACP came to our rescue,” he said.
He said his “sin” was that he established a government without bullies, and attempted to defend the attempts to render the ANC government in Gauteng useless. He said he was proud that he could establish a ready and prepared government to represent the interests of the poor and the unemployed.
He said some opposed his employment programmes and the dismantling of the e-tolls, but the ANC, SACP and the South African National Civics Organisation supported him.
Members of SACP broke into song ” asiyifuni GNU,” We didn’t want GNU when the premier Panyaza Lesufi took to the podium to address the conference.
Lesufi said when they stood their ground against the DA in the government of provincial unity SACP stood with them.… pic.twitter.com/S8eaT2hLga— Scrolla Africa (@ScrollaAfrica) December 12, 2024
Lesufi asked the SACP to support his efforts to ensure the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act was implemented to realise the Freedom Charter clause.
“Friday [will be] a difficult day when we have to defend our children or surrender. The SACP must add its voice to ensure the dignity of our children is maintained and that never and never again that it is decided that our children will enter a school based on the colour of their skin,” he said.
He asked the SACP to stand together in the battle to have the Bill implemented for the sake of black children and the country.
“Betrayal is not an option. This is the period comrades where cowards must step aside. Periods like these want us to strengthen our forces,” he said.
“Betrayal is not an option”: Panyaza Lesufi’s message on Bela Act. He speaks at the SACP conference a day before December 13. Thursday is the last day for GNU parties to decide on the matter. @TimesLIVE #SACP5THSNC pic.twitter.com/ChZziTSBTO
— Sine (@Sinesip11136834) December 12, 2024
According to IOL, Lesufi said certain sections of the media sought to delegitimise the provincial powers, but they were preserved.
“Despite the exclusion of some political parties, our government stands strong and unwavering in its commitment to defend the poor and unemployed,” he said.
With an eye on the future, Lesufi warned of the consequences of failing to pass critical legislation.
“If we fail in this mission, the National Health Insurance (NHI) and other essential goals will also falter. Issues like energy, electricity, and land must be addressed if we are to succeed,” he said.
Lesufi’s speech was a call for unity, action, and a collective effort to honour the legacy of those who fought for freedom and to secure a better future for all South Africans.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
