COSATU Gauteng statement on the Motion of No Confidence against Premier Lesufi

28 Oct 2025

The Congress of South African Trade Unions is deeply concerned by the DA's motion of no confidence against Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi. The motion comes in response to the Public Protector's finding that the establishment and deployment of the Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens was irregular and unlawful.

It is important to note that the Public Protector did not find the Premier guilty of financial mismanagement or corruption. Instead, the finding centres on the Department of Community Safety acting inconsistently with Sections 41(1)(h) and (g) of the Constitution. This provision prevents one sphere of government from usurping the powers or encroaching on the integrity of another.

The Public Protector has already prescribed remedial action and we expect the Premier to use his constitutional powers under section 125(2) to ensure that "option 3" of the TC report is implemented within 180 days. This option, which Premier, the Minister of Police, and the Minister of DoJCD have already agreed to, involves repurposing the CPWs as traffic wardens in compliance with the National Road Traffic Act.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi stands as a beacon of decisive leadership. Since taking office, Lesufi has consistently pursued policies that tackle the province's most pressing issues. From combating unemployment to rooting out corruption and spearheading innovative infrastructure projects, his tenure has been marked by bold initiatives that align with the commitments made by government to Gauteng's residents. Critics may point out hurdles along the way, but the evidence of progress is undeniable, showcasing a leader who prioritises delivery over rhetoric.

The introduction of the Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens brought much-needed safety and security relief to communities in Gauteng and created 8200 jobs for young people. The Crime Prevention Wardens (AmaPanyaza) program, though recently reconfigured for legal compliance, contributed to a 7.9% crime reduction by supporting police with community-level interventions.

Lesufi's boldness extends to major infrastructure projects, such as the Gauteng-Limpopo high-speed rail link. Advanced in strategic meetings with Limpopo counterparts, this project aims to ease congestion, create over 125,000 jobs, and boost economic ties. Panyaza Lesufi's leadership is defined by action, delivering on promises that uplift Gauteng.

 While political parties reserve the right to table a motion of no confidence against any executive member, including Mr Panyaza Lesufi, this tool must be used judiciously, not frivolously or for mere political point-scoring. Such motions should be grounded in substantive issues, like incompetence, corruption, or mismanagement of resources, not personalised for political gain.

COSATU therefore calls on all legislature parties, trade unions, faith-based organisations, and civil society to rally behind the Gauteng Premier's efforts to stabilise the government and deliver essential services, including community safety. We urge the rejection of this motion.

The frivolous motions of confidence at the local government level since 2016 have weakened municipalities and left them on the precipice, and a province like Gauteng that carries 40% of the GDP will take the country down with it if lessons are not learnt from local government.

Simultaneously, we urge the Premier and the Department of Community Safety to promptly implement the Public Protector's remedial actions. To help chart a way forward, COSATU will convene a major summit of unions, civil society, and religious groups to discuss the state of the province and present consolidated recommendations to the Premier and his government.

Issued by COSATU Gauteng

Provincial Chairperson and Provincial Secretary