The inclusion of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Gauteng’s Government of Provincial Unity has triggered sharp internal criticism within the African National Congress (ANC), even as the Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie publicly defended the arrangement.
On 5 April 2026, the ANC Veterans League issued a strongly worded media statement expressing dismay over Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s appointment of EFF Gauteng provincial leader Nkululeko Dunga as MEC for Finance. The league criticised the decision to entrust the province’s R179 billion budget to Dunga, who was previously relieved of his position as MMC for Finance in Ekurhuleni amid allegations of poor financial performance and non compliance.
The statement, issued by ANC Veterans League President Snuki Zikalala, stated that the moves “bring no comfort to the residents of Gauteng who expect their leadership to prioritise service delivery and stability.” It emphasised that coalition arrangements should follow the strategic framework approved by the ANC National Executive Committee in April 2023, which stresses putting the interests of the people first and ensuring a stable government capable of improving service delivery.
The Veterans League announced it would pursue the matter internally within the ANC following a special meeting, stressing the need for senior government positions to be held by individuals who are “ethical, incorruptible and there to serve the people.”
In response to the growing controversy, Gayton McKenzie, leader of the Patriotic Alliance (PA) and national Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, posted on X defending the coalition dynamics. McKenzie wrote: “I honestly truly don’t understand the fuzz regarding the appointment of Dunga as MEC of Finance, do you expect @EFFSouthAfrica to give their votes for free, this is not how things work, most importantly the whole coalition crumbles without EFF votes in Gauteng period.”
The PA holds seats in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature as part of the broader Government of Provincial Unity arrangement alongside the ANC, EFF, IFP and Rise Mzansi. McKenzie’s comment highlights the pragmatic reality of coalition politics: the ANC requires support from smaller parties, including the EFF, to maintain stability and pass key decisions such as budgets.
The reshuffle, announced by Premier Lesufi on 1 April 2026, saw Dunga take over the critical Finance portfolio from ANC’s Lebogang Maile, who was moved to Education. The move was widely interpreted as a bid to stabilise the minority government and prevent potential collapse amid legislative tensions.
Opposition parties outside the GPU, including the Democratic Alliance and VF Plus, have also criticised the appointment, citing Dunga’s earlier tenure in Ekurhuleni where issues with audited financial statements and compliance with the Municipal Finance Management Act were raised.
The ANC Gauteng Provincial Task Team had previously welcomed the reconfiguration as a “necessary and responsive step” to strengthen governance and accelerate service delivery. However, the Veterans League’s intervention reveals deepening unease within ANC structures about the terms of the coalition with the EFF.
As the drama unfolds, the EFF has defended the appointment, describing it as a progressive step that will allow the party to advance a people centred fiscal agenda focused on service delivery, economic justice and transparency.
The public exchange between the ANC Veterans League and the PA leader underscores the fragile nature of South Africa’s coalition arrangements at provincial level. With local government elections approaching, the ability of the GPU partners to manage internal differences while delivering on key priorities such as infrastructure, water supply and housing will be closely watched.
The Gauteng Finance portfolio remains central to the province’s operations, overseeing economic development and funding for major services in South Africa’s economic heartland.
