The Democratic Alliance (DA) has intensified its campaign for accountability among provincial leaders, recently calling for an investigation into Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi. This latest move emerged from allegations suggesting Lesufi is withholding forensic reports related to corruption and is protecting corrupt officials within provincial departments and the legislature.
In a press briefing held in Johannesburg on Monday, DA Gauteng Leader Solly Msimanga stated that his party had written to the Public Protector’s office requesting a full probe into Lesufi’s actions, claiming they are necessary to ensure accountability in governance. Lesufi, who also holds the position of ANC provincial chairperson, is accused of obstructing investigations and meddling in legislative affairs.
“They called the former secretary of the legislature to a venue outside this building where they instructed him to halt certain investigations for fear that NEHAWU would withdraw their support for the ANC in the elections,” Msimanga alleged. “There must be accountability for this.”
Despite these serious accusations, Lesufi has firmly denied the claims, insisting he has complied fully with releasing all reports handed to him. However, the DA asserts that numerous whistleblowers have approached them, eager to reveal further information regarding the alleged misconduct.
The party has also called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to take action against Lesufi, with DA’s provincial health spokesperson and long-serving Member of the Provincial Legislature Jack Bloem stating, “We have a duty to report any corrupt activities or wasteful expenditure, and that is what we are doing. We already have an acknowledgment of receipt from the Public Protector, and more revelations are expected. We believe the president will have to consider all these reports and act.”
Msimanga further claimed that the DA’s exclusion from Lesufi’s provincial cabinet signifies an ongoing cover-up within the government. “We are actually vindicated because clearly, we were left out of government due to fears of what we could uncover once involved. It’s not true that we made unreasonable demands. We refused to rubber stamp so this is not a witch-hunt at all,” he explained.