Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, who also serves as the ANC’s provincial task force co-convenor, has sharply escalated political rhetoric by declaring the Democratic Alliance (DA) an “enemy” of the ruling party. The controversial remarks were made during a charged public address on Wednesday, where Lesufi accused the DA of weaponizing the judiciary to obstruct democratic processes and undermine transformation efforts.
“The DA is not a partner seeking collaboration or national unity,” Lesufi stated. “They are an adversary to transformation and the will of the majority. We cannot ignore their strategy of using courts to systematically weaken the ANC.”
The premier’s comments follow recent DA-led legal challenges against Gauteng’s provincial projects, including allegations of financial misconduct and attempts to block ANC appointments. The opposition party has repeatedly taken the ANC to court over procurement decisions and governance disputes, fueling frustration within the ruling party.
Lesufi’s characterization of the DA as an “enemy” marks a significant hardening of rhetoric, with analysts warning it could deepen political hostilities—particularly as coalition negotiations become increasingly contentious. Dr. Rethabile Dlamini, a political analyst, noted, “This isn’t just posturing; it reflects a complete breakdown in any prospect of cooperative governance between the two parties.”
The DA swiftly dismissed Lesufi’s remarks as a diversion tactic. Gauteng DA chair Solly Msimanga responded, “The premier’s outburst is a desperate ploy to deflect from his own governance failures. We will continue using legal avenues to hold the ANC accountable—that’s democracy, not enmity.”
The escalating feud highlights growing tensions in South Africa’s political landscape, where court battles between the ANC and DA have become routine. Lesufi’s adversarial stance suggests the ANC may adopt a more confrontational approach toward its main opposition, even as it grapples with internal divisions and declining electoral support.
With local and provincial coalitions often forcing uneasy partnerships between the two parties, observers warn that Lesufi’s rhetoric risks further polarizing governance and complicating future cooperation. As legal challenges mount, the courtroom appears set to remain a key battleground in South Africa’s fractious political arena.
