ANC in Gauteng refuses to be bullied: 'With or without DA we'll form government'

JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress (ANC) in Gauteng says it will not be bullied by the Democratic Alliance (DA) into accepting what it believes are unreasonable demands.

"With or without the DA, we believe Gauteng will be able to form a government," said ANC’s provincial secretary TK Nciza.

On Monday, re-elected Premier Panyaza Lesufi postponed his Cabinet announcement again due to a deadlock in negotiations.

ALSO READ: Lesufi's Gauteng Cabinet announcement postponed again

Eyewitness News has learnt the DA is unhappy about the ANC's offer of two portfolios in Lesufi’s executive council.

On Monday night, the ANC's provincial leadership briefed the media on delays in the appointment of the Cabinet.

Nciza said Lesufi is ready to announce his Cabinet.

“This really must proceed because it is really delaying the people of Gauteng. It can’t be fair; it’s not right the people of Gauteng have been waiting for their government.”

The delay comes a day after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa finally announced the national Cabinet ministers – which citizens and global stakeholders had been waiting for with bated breath since the 29 May elections that saw a hung National Assembly.

Meanwhile, ActionSA has criticised the Gauteng government of provincial unity for delays in announcing its Cabinet

The party said the delays have left residents abandoned while the ANC and DA fight for positions

It has accused the two parties of allowing their interests to paralyse the work that needs to be done to better the lives of residents

“ActionSA maintains that Panyaza Lesufi’s return as Gauteng premier made possible solely by the DA does not represent the will of residents, as the 2024 election results were a striking rebuke of a premier whose first term was marked by failure, a series of failed political gimmicks and empty promises, prompting voters to vote to remove him from office,” ActionSA spokesperson Samkelo Mgobozi