The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) supported today’s motion of no confidence in Gauteng Premier Panyza Lesufi.
The party’s decision was based on Lesufi’s unconstitutional appointment of policing officials, or wardens, after the Freedom Front Plus had urged him to first ensure that the programme complies with all constitutional and other relevant regulations.
When the programme was launched, the Freedom Front Plus addressed written questions about it to Lesufi and according to his reply, he was acting in accordance with the Constitution and all relevant legal prescripts.
The recent finding by the Public Protector (PP) that the programme is indeed unconstitutional stands in stark contrast to Lesufi’s claim. This alone was reason enough for the Freedom Front Plus to support the motion.
There is, of course, also a long history of maladministration by previous ANC governments in Gauteng with the Life Esidimeni and Hoërskool Driehoek tragedies as well as the corruption at Tembisa Hospital and murder of whistle-blower Babita Dekoran being just a few examples of many.
However, the Freedom Front Plus is not satisfied with the DA motion’s logic and strategic value.
Firstly, the fact that the DA was the one to table the motion of no confidence in Lesufi makes no sense, seeing as the DA was the party that seconded Lesufi’s appointment as Premier following the 2024 elections. In fact, the DA’s support was one of the main reasons Lesufi was re-elected as Gauteng Premier.
The DA seconded Lesufi’s appointment as Premier knowing full well that there is a proven track record of maladministration during his tenure as MEC for Education and later as Premier. So, the sudden change of heart following new PP finding makes no sense.
Furthermore, the motion had no strategic value seeing as the DA knew from the outset that it would not attract enough votes in the Legislature to remove Lesufi. A motion of no confidence in a premier should only be tabled if there is a realistic chance of removing him from office.
Another thing to bear in mind is that such a failed motion could have the opposite effect by reinforcing Lesufi’s image as a politically robust strongman.
During the debate on the motion, the Freedom Front Plus indicated that it was tabled at a time when Gauteng residents are experiencing serious socio-economic problems with a stagnant economy, record-high unemployment and growing poverty.
It is in this context that voters in Gauteng indicated last year that they do not trust a single party to govern well on its own, but rather expect parties to work together to sustainably bring about real socio-economic improvement.
Unfortunately, the attempt to establish a Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), based on the blueprint of the Government of National Unity (GNU), between the ANC and DA failed, giving the ANC the leeway to form a left-wing pro-socialist coalition government.
As always, the Freedom Front Plus will keep fulfilling its oversight role over the provincial government by offering valid criticism, where necessary, and strategic initiatives that will improve Gauteng residents’ quality of life.
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