Gauteng ANC still in talks with MK Party over joining coalition

The African National Congress (ANC) in Gauteng is still in talks with the uMkhonto weSiwe (MK) Party over the possibility of the organisation joining the executive.

Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced changes to his executive on Wednesday, with the most notable development being the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) joining the ANC-led coalition.

ALSO READ: Lesufi shuffles provincial cabinet to include EFF

The EFF’s provincial leader, Nkululeko Dunga, has been appointed as the Finance MEC.

Speaking to the media in Johannesburg on Wednesday night, Lesufi emphasised the decision to invite opposition parties was taken to boost the executive’s numbers in the legislature.

The ANC has been running a minority government in Gauteng since 2024, which means it could not pass the provincial budget without votes from parties in the opposition.

This time around, the EFF refused to support the province’s adjustment budget after its leader, Julius Malema, swore to never support any ANC proposal in the provincial legislature.

This led to the ANC inviting the EFF to its coalition in the province.

Lesufi said discussions were also held with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and MK Party, but only the latter seemed to be interested in joining the executive.

“The discissions with the MK Party are ongoing. As late as yesterday [Tuesday], we were speaking to them. They could either be in the executive, legislature or other State arms. So, let’s wait for that discussion to be finalised.”

Lesufi said the inclusion of the EFF will stabilise his government.

EFF CONFIDENT DUNGA WILL EXCEL

The EFF is confident that Dunga will excel in his new position as the Finance MEC in the province.

Lesufi emphasised at the media briefing that the EFF was invited to government to boost the executive’s numbers in the legislature.

EFF Gauteng spokesperson Dumisani Baleni said, “We are also confident that Nkuleleko Dunga is capable of executing duties and responsibilities, like he has done in the City of Ekurhuleni, where he has improved the finances of the city.”