DA
1Min
South Africa
Nov 14, 2025
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has survived a motion of no confidence brought by the DA, with 54 votes against his removal and 24 in favour. The challenge centred on his controversial Amapanyaza wardens, but the outcome shows he still commands enough support to hold the premiership.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has comfortably survived a motion of no confidence in the provincial legislature, reinforcing his political footing despite fierce criticism from the opposition over his administration’s priorities and legality of recent programmes.
The Democratic Alliance tabled the motion, arguing that Lesufi has failed to uphold sound governance, pointing specifically to the Public Protector’s finding that the Amapanyaza Crime Prevention Wardens were unlawfully established. The DA told the legislature that the premier had acted outside the law and placed the province at financial and operational risk.
But the numbers were firmly on Lesufi’s side. Fifty-four members voted against the motion, while only 24 supported it. The ANC, together with smaller parties that have been informally aligned with it, closed ranks to defend the premier and protect the administration from what they described as an opportunistic attack.
The debate exposed the growing tension in Gauteng’s political landscape. Lesufi leads a minority government and depends on fluid coalition arrangements to pass key decisions. Surviving the motion shows he still enjoys enough political goodwill among his partners to stay in office, but it also highlighted the vulnerability that comes with governing without a clear majority.
