ANC must accept it lost the elections and adapt or die, warns Lesufi
Panyaza Lesufi, speaking at the ANC Gauteng’s provincial executive lekgotla in Boksburg on Sunday, said the party must accept it lost the elections.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi at the announcement of his Cabinet on 3 July 2024. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress (ANC) must adapt or perish.
This is the stark message from Gauteng provincial chairperson, Panyaza Lesufi, following a dismal showing at the recent polls.
The ANC lost its majority for the first time since the dawn of democracy in the May general elections, getting 40% at national level and only 34% in Gauteng.
Lesufi, speaking at the ANC Gauteng’s provincial executive lekgotla in Boksburg on Sunday, said the party must accept it lost the elections.
Lesufi said that calling the recent election results a strategic retreat or defeat was window-dressing the facts.
He said the party must accept that it lost the elections and had to start the work of rebuilding the organisation.
Lesufi also cautioned against blame-shifting among his comrades, warning that the ANC was a fast-sinking ship.
He said voters had sent a clear message to the party, and it either listened, adapted or dies.
The ANC in Gauteng is set to hold a post-lekgotla media briefing on Monday afternoon.