Fresh fury has erupted over Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s controversial cabinet reshuffle, with the Democratic Alliance accusing him of sacrificing Gauteng residents to protect his own political survival.
In a hard hitting statement, DA Gauteng Leader and Official Opposition Leader Solly Msimanga MPL blasted the appointment of EFF provincial leader Nkululeko Dunga as the new MEC for Finance. Msimanga claimed Lesufi made the move not to help residents, but to secure EFF support and safeguard his position as ANC Gauteng chairperson ahead of local government elections.
“Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s desperate attempt to keep his position as the provincial chairperson of the ANC in Gauteng has led him to reshuffle his cabinet,” Msimanga said.
“This decision by Premier Lesufi will not benefit the residents of Gauteng. It will draw the EFF into the executive for him to have an alliance ahead of the local government elections later this year.”
The reshuffle, announced by Lesufi on 1 April 2026, saw Dunga, previously removed as MMC for Finance in Ekurhuleni amid allegations of poor performance and non compliance, take control of the province’s massive R179 billion budget. Lebogang Maile was shifted from Finance to Education.
Msimanga accused Lesufi of caving in to EFF “threats to destabilise the province” after Dunga’s removal in Ekurhuleni. He added that the premier is using powerful portfolios to buy support for his re-election at the upcoming ANC Gauteng Congress.
The DA leader also raised red flags over an internal swap involving the Health and Social Development portfolio, claiming it could worsen service delivery. He pointed out that the former Health MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, seen as Lesufi’s biggest rival for the provincial chair, was moved in a way that neutralises her influence.
Msimanga further denied Lesufi’s claim of consulting the DA, stating the party was never approached after failed 2024 negotiations.
“We will continue to demand that the Premier make public the lifestyle audits of all MECs. We cannot have an executive in this province that has been put together purely to satisfy all the parties that are part of the minority GNU in this province.”
The DA vowed to closely monitor the new Finance MEC and ensure every rand delivers value for money, warning against any looting of the public purse.
This latest attack from the DA comes hot on the heels of strong criticism from the ANC Veterans League. On 5 April, the League, through President Dr Snuki Zikalala, expressed dismay at entrusting billions to Dunga given his Ekurhuleni record, calling the moves a threat to service delivery and stability. They plan to raise the matter internally within the ANC.
Meanwhile, Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie defended the arrangement on X, arguing that votes don’t come for free and the coalition would collapse without EFF support.
The EFF has welcomed Dunga’s appointment, saying he will push a people centred fiscal agenda focused on service delivery and economic justice.
Is Lesufi prioritising power politics over Gauteng’s crumbling services? Residents facing water shortages, housing backlogs, and failing infrastructure are asking whether this “deal” will fix anything, or simply buy more time for the premier.
The DA says they will watch every move like hawks. The Veterans League wants ethical leadership. And the coalition partners insist it’s about stability.