Alpha Ramushwana4 July 2024 | 4:02

Gauteng ANC decision to announce Cabinet sans DA likely to mean bumpy year for Lesufi

Following a deadlock between the DA and ANC, Lesufi is flanked by MECs from the ANC and three other smaller parties, with all parties representing a combined 32 seats out of a possible 80.

Gauteng ANC decision to announce Cabinet sans DA likely to mean bumpy year for Lesufi

FILE: Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi speaking at the launch of the Mayibuye Primary School in Tembisa on 7 February 2024. Picture: X/EducationGP1

JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress (ANC)’s decision to announce a Cabinet without the Democratic Alliance (DA) is likely to mean a bumpy year ahead for Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.

He’s flanked by members of the executive council (MECs) from the ANC and three other smaller parties.

This follows a deadlock between the former liberation movement and the DA.

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The ANC, Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Patriotic Alliance (PA), and RISE Mzansi have formed a minority government, with all parties representing a combined 32 seats out of a possible 80.

To pass any legislation in the Gauteng Legislature, more than 50% of members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) in the House must vote in support of the proposed law.

However, with the governing bloc in the province only comprising 32 seats, Lesufi will have to rely on trade-offs or the model of supply and confidence to get his way.

While those critical of the ANC’s approach to negotiations believe this will be a major hurdle, its provincial deputy secretary, Tasneem Motara, said the journey ahead might be rocky but the ANC is up to the task.

“We have proven even in the previous term that we can pass legislation with the support of other parties. If you take everybody on board, if you communicate, we can pass legislation.”

Motara said though Gauteng’s executive is up and running, talks with other parties will continue, with hopes they’ll find each other on legislative matters.