‘ANC will never be a branch of the DA’: Lesufi criticizes Zille
ANC Gauteng chairperson Panyaza Lesufi has criticized DA’s Helen Zille regarding her comments on the removal of Cilliers Brink as Tshwane mayor.
Gauteng Premier and ANC chairperson Panyaza Lesufi has criticized Helen Zille, asserting that his party will never serve as a branch of the Democratic Alliance (DA).
Brink who had been the mayor of Tshwane for 18 months was ousted via a motion of no confidence that was tabled by the African National Congress (ANC) and supported by ActionSA and the Economic Freedom Fighters. A total of 120 councillors voted in favour of Brink’s removal while 87 voted against and one abstained.
CILLIERS BRINK’S OUSTING TO AFFECT DA AND ANC PARTNERSHIP IN THE GNU?
Despite numerous efforts by the DA to save Brink he was ousted as the party’s coalition partners did not have enough numbers to save him.
The Blue Party also tried to negotiate with the ANC so that the motion could be withdrawn, however, the former ruling party’s national working committee (NWC) said the motion should proceed and its councillors in Tshwane should vote in favour of Brink’s removal.
Brink’s ousting did not sit well with DA members especially Helen Zille. On X (formerly Twitter), Zille has either tweeted or retweeted articles and tweets criticising Herman Mashaba for his decision to withdraw from the Tshwane multiparty coalition government and support the ANC-sponsored motion.
In response to Zille’s sentiments, Lesufi said the ANC will never be a branch of the DA.
“The decision to not incorporate the DA in the Gauteng Government of Provincial Unity was also taken by the National Leadership of the ANC, the sooner you accept this reality the sooner the healing process will begin. The BELA Bill (Act ) was approved by the ANC NEC subcommittee on Education and Health and fully voted by all MPs of the ANC in parliament not Gauteng. Insult us as you wish. Call us names like roque as you wish, reality is the ANC will never be a branch of the DA,” Lesufi posted on X.
This is not the first time the DA and ANC Gauteng have been at loggerheads, especially over governance issues in the province.
Following the national elections held on 29 May, the DA and ANC in Gauteng failed to reach an agreement over the formation of the government of provincial unity. The Blue Party also had to withdraw Refiloe Ntsekhe who had already been elected as deputy speaker in the provincial legislature.
‘HELEN SHOULD NOT BE A CRY BABY’
Addressing the media at Luthuli House on Monday, 30 September, ANC first deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane said Zille should not be a crybaby when the ball is not in their court.
Mokonyane also emphasised that Zille lacked the authority to dictate ANC leadership decisions.