Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has retained a key leadership role within the African National Congress (ANC) despite growing criticism, being appointed as the co-convenor of the restructured Gauteng ANC leadership. This decision comes after the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) moved to overhaul the province’s leadership structure in response to its poor performance in last year’s elections.
Lesufi will share the co-convenor role with veteran ANC politician Amos Masondo, a move aimed at strengthening the party’s leadership in Gauteng, a critical battleground province. The restructuring is part of the ANC’s broader efforts to rebuild its foundation and regain voter confidence following significant losses in the 2024 elections.
However, the announcement has been met with mixed reactions. While some see the appointment of Masondo as a stabilizing force, others have expressed discontent with Lesufi’s continued prominence. Critics within the party have dismissed the move as a “joke,” arguing that the ANC needs fresh leadership capable of delivering tangible results rather than recycling figures associated with past failures.
Gauteng, once an ANC stronghold, experienced a notable decline in voter support during the last elections, with opposition parties making significant inroads. The NEC’s decision to reconfigure the provincial leadership is seen as an attempt to address these challenges, but it remains unclear whether the new leadership duo can reverse the party’s fortunes in time for future elections.
Lesufi’s survival in the reshuffle has surprised many, given the growing disillusionment with his leadership in the province. His tenure as Gauteng Premier has been marked by controversy and criticism, with some questioning his ability to steer the ANC toward recovery. On the other hand, Masondo’s appointment brings a wealth of experience and deep ties to the ANC’s legacy, offering a potential counterbalance to Lesufi’s leadership style.
As Lesufi and Masondo take the reins of the restructured Gauteng ANC, the party faces mounting pressure to address internal divisions and reconnect with voters. The success of this leadership reshuffle will be closely watched, as it could determine the ANC’s ability to reclaim its dominance in Gauteng and beyond. For now, the province remains a critical testing ground for the party’s efforts to rebuild and regain trust ahead of the next electoral battle.