Gauteng Premier Lesufi alleges 'fake news' over cabinet announcement delay
"There has been misinformation and fake news that has been deliberately planted." - Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng Premier
FILE: Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi prior to delivering his State of the Province (SOPA) at the Nasrec Expo Centre on 19 February 2024. Picture: X/GautengProvince
Clement Manyathela is joined by Panyaza Lesufi, Premier of Gauteng
Gauteng Premier, Panyazi Lesufi spent much of the past weekend putting out fires via social media in response to speculation about the delay in appointing his executive.
While the country remains on tenterhooks for President Cyril Ramaphosa's Cabinet announcement, a similar waiting game is playing out in Gauteng.
Lesufi's announcement had been expected on Sunday, but he says negotiators at the provincial level requested extra time.
"We needed to meaningfully engage those that had just joined the GNU, that are part of our provincial government, whether their interests should be accommodated, and I was quite convinced that that was a reasonable request."
- Panyaza Lesufi, Premier - Gauteng
"We are impatient to ensure we conclude this work as speedily as possible."
- Panyaza Lesufi, Premier - Gauteng
Taking to X on Sunday, Lesufi disputed reports that Ramaphosa had instructed him to include members of the Democratic Alliance (DA) in his Cabinet.
He also denies that his plan was for the ANC to hold all cabinet positions in the province.
"Was that your plan", asks Manyathela?
"Surely not. And these are people who are not even part of the discussions. There has been disinformation and fake news that has been deliberately planted."
- Panyaza Lesufi, Premier - Gauteng
Lesufi says negotiations are unlikely to drag out longer than Wednesday.
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