The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in Gauteng has strongly condemned Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s recent cabinet reshuffle, describing it as reckless, arrogant, and politically bankrupt, and labelling it an “own goal” that undermines community voices and alliance partnerships.
In a strongly worded statement and subsequent interview, SANCO’s Gauteng provincial chairperson, Abram Mashishi, called on Premier Lesufi to resign. He accused the premier of sidelining the reconfigured alliance in deployment decisions and prioritising narrow political interests over the needs of Gauteng residents.
Mashishi highlighted several past actions by Lesufi as examples of “own goals,” including the premier’s public admission of showering at a luxurious hotel due to water shortages in his area and the latest reshuffle. He argued that such behaviour has contributed to the ANC’s declining support, noting that false promises of jobs and contracts during election campaigns have eroded public trust.
The reshuffle, announced on 1 April 2026, saw EFF Gauteng provincial chairperson Nkululeko Dunga appointed as the new MEC for Finance, overseeing the province’s substantial budget (reportedly around R170–179 billion). Former Finance MEC Lebogang Maile was moved to the Education portfolio. SANCO views Dunga’s appointment as particularly alarming, pointing to his previous removal as MMC for Finance in Ekurhuleni under a cloud of corruption allegations by the executive mayor there.
Mashishi stated clearly that Dunga “is not the right person” for the finance position due to his questionable credentials and the risks involved in managing such a large provincial budget. He warned that the move could lead to further decline in ANC support ahead of local government elections.
The civic organisation emphasised its historical role as part of the alliance “machinery,” conducting door-to-door campaigns, acting as a watchdog against corruption and misbehaviour, and mobilising communities to vote for the ANC on the understanding that it would represent community interests. Mashishi referenced long-standing calls for alliance reconfiguration, noting that the South African Communist Party has already pulled out, leaving SANCO as a key grassroots force.
“As the alliance we have met with the premier and tried to caution him,” Mashishi said. He accused Lesufi of behaving like a populist rather than a servant of the people and of undermining agreed alliance processes on deployments. “When we go to election campaigns we are there to make sure they win over the majority, so that is not allowed from the alliance point of view.”
In response to the perceived disregard for SANCO’s input, Mashishi declared that the organisation would withhold its campaigning support for the ANC until the issues are resolved. He indicated that SANCO had consulted with structures across nine provinces and planned to hold back its “forces” and “machinery” so that the ANC could “feel the absence” and recognise the importance of community voices.
Mashishi also addressed questions about SANCO’s earlier rejection of a DA-proposed motion of no confidence in Lesufi in November last year. He explained that supporting the DA’s motion would have appeared “clownish,” but noted that SANCO had previously called for the premier’s resignation based on a Public Protector report regarding the allegedly illegal and unconstitutional employment of AmaPanyaza, which he said costs the province close to R2 billion. He further criticised the premier on issues such as crime not decreasing despite purchases like drone vehicles, claiming benefits accrued to Lesufi and his associates rather than the poor, and alleged backroom deals at the expense of communities.
The SANCO leader stressed that the revolution “is not about one man or one faction” but about the entire community benefiting from the state, and that members have families and needs that must be addressed.
The developments come amid efforts by the ANC in Gauteng to stabilise governance and secure support for passing the budget through coalition arrangements that now include the EFF. However, SANCO’s threat to withdraw campaigning support signals deepening tensions within the broader alliance and could impact the ANC’s grassroots mobilisation in the province.