Lesufi thanks SACP for support in forming Gauteng coalition govt without DA

JOHANNESBURG - Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi thanked the South African Communist Party (SACP) for supporting him when he formed a coalition government without the Democratic Alliance (DA).

The African National Congress (ANC) lost its electoral majority in Gauteng during this year’s election forcing it to co-govern with other parties.

READ: After 2 postponements, Gauteng Premier Lesufi names his cabinet

The SACP leadership praised Lesufi for resisting pressure to work with the DA.

Lesufi was speaking at the SACP’s 5th special national conference in Boksburg on Thursday morning.

As the ANC Gauteng chairperson walked to the stage to give his speech, he was greeted by an anti-Government of National Unity (GNU) song, sung by SACP delegates. 

The SACP is opposed to the GNU and repeatedly criticised the ANC for forming a coalition with the DA.

READ: SACP chair Nzimande says he 'disagrees' with the GNU

Without calling the DA by name, Lesufi said the ANC in Gauteng faced attacks for leaving out the blue party from government.

“When we established a government of provincial unity, without that other party we were attacked and insulted, but the SACP stood with us and today we want to come here and say thank you. When we launched programmes to advance the agenda of our communities we were called names but the SACP came to our rescue and supported us.”

Lesufi said he has no regrets for leaving what he calls “bullies” out of the coalition government.