Gauteng Premier Lesufi Panyaza remains in office after the Democratic Alliance’s motion of no confidence against him failed in the provincial legislature on Friday.
The DA argued that Lesufi mishandled corruption allegations linked to Tembisa Hospital tenders and acted unlawfully in establishing the crime prevention wardens.
According to Eyewitness News, the DA was the only party that voted in favour of removing Lesufi. The other ten political parties represented in the legislature rejected the motion, with some opposition parties labelling it “frivolous” and noting that the DA had supported Lesufi’s election to the Premiership last year . The Freedom Front Plus abstained.
The Speaker announced the outcome after a brief debate, confirming that Lesufi had secured the majority required to remain in office.
While Lesufi survived the political challenge inside the legislature, a separate dispute is gaining momentum outside. Civil rights organisation Solidarity says it will urgently approach the Johannesburg High Court on Tuesday after the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) removed one of its banners without prior notice.
According to IOL, the 70-metre billboard read “Welcome to the most race-regulated country in the world” and formed part of Solidarity’s November campaign ahead of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg.
The organisation argues it followed all legal procedures, including working through a recognised advertising agency and paying the required fees.
Solidarity claims the removal was politically motivated. In its court papers, the group alleges that Lesufi and other city officials encouraged and praised the removal online, citing the billboard’s “political message.”
The union says this contravenes outdoor advertising by-laws, which require the City to issue notice or request corrective steps before taking enforcement action.
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla told IOL the banner did not comply with municipal advertising regulations and that there was no record of an approved application.
He said the City has the prerogative to determine signage permitted on its property, adding that enforcement actions include removing non-compliant material and issuing fines.
Solidarity CEO Dr Dirk Hermann said the group will continue erecting similar billboards across Gauteng while pursuing legal action.
He described the removal as “unlawful censorship” and stated the City acted after Lesufi posted the banner on social media, calling it racist.
A separate report shows Lesufi doubled down on his position, accusing the campaign’s creators of resisting transformation and stating they “hate transformation and are busy vulgarising our efforts to build an all-inclusive country”.
The dispute unfolds days before Johannesburg hosts the G20 Leaders’ Summit, with city authorities already dealing with vandalism of public infrastructure near the Nasrec precinct.
As political tensions rise, both the Premier’s office and the City are expected to face continued scrutiny over governance and public messaging.
