Cape Town – Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi postponed announcing the provincial executive on Monday due to a dispute with the DA over sharing MEC positions.
But speaking to Newzrook Afrika, former DA MP Douglas Gibson argued the DA’s demand for more positions was fair, emphasising Lesufi’s reliance on DA votes for his premiership.
“Lesufi has forgotten he’s only the premier because the DA voted for him. He’s in the first stage of grief, which is denial that voters rejected him and his party because they were unsatisfactory as rulers of Gauteng over the past few years. He mustn’t be greedy and try to grab more than he’s entitled to,” he said.
Former DA MP Douglas Gibson says Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi is in denial that voters rejected him. He claims the DA “wants to make Lesufi look good”. Gibson warns Lesufi that he mustn’t be greedy and try to grab far more than what he’s entitled to.https://t.co/2RMczhDY6V pic.twitter.com/tHZC1TK2k0
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) July 1, 2024
Gibson suggested President Cyril Ramaphosa might need to intervene if an agreement isn’t reached.
“The national government has set the tone and an example. I’m sure if Lesufi is unreasonable, the DA won’t agree with him and President Ramaphosa will have to take out the whip,” he said.
Social media users were divided, with some accusing the ANC of trying to oust the DA from the government of national unity, and others supporting Lesufi’s stance.
Someone needs to tell the 34% that they are no longer in charge. You are extremely arrogant and you should never conduct yourself like this in public. Maybe a recall to Luthuli House will help to teach you humility. Go figure
— Julian Thompson (@Julianthompso) July 2, 2024
DA must rest please holding everyone randsome, we are tired , they have positions at National , and their Western Cape, and KZN , can they rest , they even failed Tshwane drastically
— N Queeny🤝🌶️🌶️ile (@QueenyIle) July 1, 2024
On Tuesday, the DA said it is willing to return to the opposition benches in the Gauteng legislature amid a dispute over positions in Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s Cabinet.
During a media briefing, DA federal council chairperson Helen Zille disclosed that the ANC wanted to retain seven MEC positions, offering three to the DA, EWN reported.
“This approach was not conducive to building an atmosphere of trust. We wanted clarity on these issues.
“The ANC today conceded that they had intended to allocate 3 seats to the DA, and seven to themselves, out of a cabinet of 11 (including the ANC Premier). This division falls far short of the requirements set out in Clause 16 of the Declaration of Intent, given that the DA comprises 45% and the ANC 55% of the government of provincial unity (GPU),” The Citizen quoted Zille as saying.
The DA believes Lesufi’s Cabinet should reflect the recent election results, where the ANC received 34% of the votes and the DA 27%.
Zille said that the DA is comfortable in opposition and not desperate to join the government.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
