Panyaza Lesufi, the Gauteng Premier, finds himself in the eye of a political storm following a contentious cabinet reorganisation that has left both allies and adversaries questioning the stability of his leadership.
Analysts have warned that the move could cause internal division within the African National Congress (ANC) and alter coalition politics in the province.
While one analyst has called the decision a "political own goal," another contends that the backlash is more about internal power struggles than governance, calling it "an orchestrated manoeuvre against Panyaza Lesufi and Nkululeko Dunga."
ANC structures and alliance partners have harshly criticized Dunga, the chairperson of the Economic Freedom Fighters in Gauteng, for being appointed as MEC for Finance. The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) has called for Lesufi's resignation and called the reshuffle a betrayal of voters.
“This decision is a direct betrayal of the democratic will of the people, where electoral strength is blatantly ignored in favour of backroom deals and elite arrangements,” said SANCO Gauteng chairperson Abram Mashishi.
The controversy has also exposed deep divisions within the ANC.
Secretary-general Fikile Mbalula confirmed that concerns raised by the ANC Veterans’ League would be formally addressed, signalling growing unease across party structures.
“We did receive a query from the Veterans’ League. That matter we will address in due course this week and also at the regular NWC meeting next week,” said Mbalula.
He added that Gauteng leaders had already submitted a report to the party’s national leadership.
“We will now evaluate the extent to which they have navigated the path in passing the budget, as well as some of the issues arising from that process, which have raised questions among ANC members,” he said.
The reshuffle comes amid mounting political pressure and governance challenges, with Lesufi framing the move as part of efforts to stabilise the provincial administration and navigate difficulties in the legislature, including budget processes.
Analysts say the backlash goes beyond policy disagreements.
Political analyst Sandile Swana argued that internal opposition reflects broader ideological battles over coalition partners and influence, particularly resistance to the EFF’s growing role in governance.
“I think the ANC leaders, let's say now in the leagues, the veterans league, the women's league, so obviously this is an orchestrated maneuver against Panyaza Lesufi and Kululego Dunga,” Swana said.
Dunga, whose political record has drawn criticism, is at the centre of the controversy. Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza dismissed him as Ekurhuleni's finance MMC, citing the metro's financial difficulties and leadership issues.
Snuki Zikalala, president of the ANC Veterans' League, expressed his "dismay" at the appointment and cautioned that giving Dunga control over an R179 billion provincial budget raised grave questions about accountability and governance.
However, Swana challenged the prevailing narrative by highlighting contradictions in the criticism and supporting Dunga's performance history.
“So it's not as if when Maile was there, there was good financial management, good economic management, and good budget management. There are many failures that have been there. And Dunga has not had comparable scandals in number, even, of Maile,” he said.
He argued that Dunga’s experience in municipal finance, often more complex than provincial administration, strengthens his suitability for the role, adding that criticism lacks “clearly formulated” evidence.
Swana also pointed to awards received by Dunga from the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) for efforts to reduce irregular and wasteful expenditure, using this to reinforce his argument that the criticism lacks credible evidence.
A contrasting view was offered by political analyst and research fellow at the Middle East Africa Research Institute (MEARI), Kenneth Kgwadi, who described the appointment as politically damaging for Lesufi.
“This is a political own goal, a self-inflicted misstep by Lesufi,” said Kgwadi.
He questioned the logic of placing an opposition figure in charge of Gauteng’s finances, warning of broader consequences.
“His decision does not make sense within and outside the ANC. It is difficult to locate a logical explanation to how he arrived at appointing his party's nemesis to one of the biggest GDP which would be in the top ten in Africa if Gauteng was a country,” he added.
Kgwadi cautioned that the move could erode public trust and weaken the ANC’s electoral standing.
“This will have far-reaching political implications especially for both the ANC and Lesufi on his political career. Lesufi's popularity is evaporating at a rapid rate, and his support is dwindling within the ANC,” he said.
Despite the backlash, the EFF has defended Dunga’s appointment, describing him as a capable leader committed to representing the working class. The party also pointed to a formal handover between Maile and Dunga at the Gauteng Provincial Treasury, which it said reflected institutional maturity and ensured a smooth transition.
According to the EFF, the process prioritised continuity, stability, and accountability in managing public finances, while allowing the new MEC to immediately focus on key fiscal pressures and service delivery challenges facing the province.
The Star
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