President Cyril Ramaphosa used meeting between Government of National Unity (GNU) leaders at the Cradle of Humankind at the weekend, to convince the DA to discontinue its plan of bringing a motion of no confidence against Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, a senior ANC source said.

Ramaphosa called the private gathering, with the aim of fostering greater cooperation within the GNU.

The DA, a key member of the multi-party coalition formed after last year’s elections, had been vocal about tabling a motion of no confidence against Lesufi.

Lesufi, who also chairs the ANC in Gauteng, has  expressed concern regarding the DA’s announcement last Thursday of its intention to table a motion of no confidence against him. 

The DA cited Lesufi’s “failed and costly Crime Prevention Wardens programme,” widely known as AmaPanyaza, as the primary reason for their decision, claiming to possess the necessary numbers for a successful ousting.

The Public Protector has found that the programme was unlawful.

Lesufi then announced the disbanding the AmaPanyaza programme in a phased approach over the next 36 months, with wardens undergoing retraining to become fully-fledged Traffic Officers.

This u-turn has been viewed by the DA as an admission of failure and a vindication of their long-standing criticism.

The DA has been a staunch critic of the programme, with its Gauteng leader, Solly Msimanga, previously cautioning that the initiative was “ill-conceived, poorly implemented, and unsustainable.” 

An ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) member indicated that the DA’s push to oust Lesufi is losing momentum in the wake of Ramaphosa’s discussions with GNU partners. 

A source close to the discussions revealed, “There were talks on the sidelines to find a solution regarding the DA’s proposal in Gauteng to oust the premier… We can’t be in a coalition and then have infighting. It’s not ideal that we are in a national partnership but we differ provincially.”

The source added, “The DA in Gauteng has to find a way to be able to work with the premier.”

Another source within the GNU, confirmed that during the confidential discussions, the possibility of establishing a government of provincial unity in Gauteng was actively explored. 

Such a move would significantly diminish the DA’s ability to unilaterally remove Lesufi, the source said.

Msimanga said he was not part of the meeting and did not know what was discussed on the sidelines.

The party’s spokespersons Karabo Khakhau and Willie Aucamp did not respond to requests for comment on the meeting between Ramaphosa and their party leaders.

Lesufi’s spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga, said the DA had not won a single motion since the establishment of the seventh administration.

“So it’s clear this is another stunt by the DA to play to the public gallery rather than offering concrete solutions to fight crime in the province,” Mhlanga stated. 

The ANC has also publicly expressed its unwavering confidence in Lesufi’s leadership. ANC spokesperson Mzi Khumalo said that the party would defeat any motion of no confidence.

“Our ANC Caucus of the GPL (Gauteng Provincial Legislature) will work with other political parties to defeat the DA’s motion of no confidence. We remain confident in the leadership of comrade Panyaza Lesufi as our Premier,” Khumalo said.

Political analyst, Metjie Makgoba said Ramaphosa’s intervention signaled a strategic move to stabilise the coalition, especially in light of provincial tensions.

“The discussions around a ‘government of provincial unity’ in Gauteng are particularly telling, suggesting a proactive effort to circumvent the DA’s attempts to disrupt the provincial executive. This effectively pulls the rug out from under the DA’s motion of no confidence, forcing them to reconsider their approach within the broader GNU framework.”

According to the Presidency, the leaders gathered to reflect on the progress of implementing the GNU’s Statement of Intent, discuss national and international matters, and address the country’s pressing challenges.

The meeting, led by Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile, included prominent figures like John Steenhuisen (DA), Velenkosini Hlabisa (IFP), and Gayton McKenzie (PA), among others.

In a joint media statement, the 10 parties declared that the GNU “is united and strong,” and agreed to regular forums for strategic political direction. 

While acknowledging difficulties, particularly around the 2025 budget process where the DA initially opposed but later supported its passing, the leaders emphasised that “important lessons” were learned to ensure more effective consultation.

mashudu.sadike@inl.co.za

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