On Monday, 04 November 2024, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Leader of the Official Opposition in Gauteng, Solly Msimanga MPL, accompanied by the Shadow MEC for Health, Jack Bloom MPL and the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) DA Whip, Nico De Jager MPL will hold a press briefing at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) to expose Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s contravention of the Executive Members Ethics Act.
The DA has already written to the Public Protector, Adv. Kholeka Gcaleka, to investigate the Premier’s blatant contravention of the Code of Ethics of the Executive Members’ Ethics Act 1998. This complaint is in accordance with Sections 3 and 4 of the Act.
This was revealed through an affidavit from a court application filed by the former Secretary of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Mr. Vusimuzi Right Peter Skosana.
According to the affidavit, Premier Lesufi was part of a meeting convened on 11 October 2023 by the Chief Whip, Lesego Makhubela, which included the Speaker and other senior members of the Legislature.
Issues discussed during the meeting included the 13th cheque matter before the Labour Court and the breakdown of the relationship between GPL Management and NEHAWU, which has led to a toxic work environment.
This case exemplifies Premier Lesufi’s disregard for the separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. The Premier, as an Executive Member, had no right to sit in a meeting that discusses the internal affairs of the Legislature. That role should have been reserved for the Speaker of the Legislature at the time, Ntombi Mekgwe. But never one to miss an opportunity to showcase his influence, Lesufi was present and likely swayed the discussions.
The media is invited and there will be an opportunity for interviews and photographs.
Details of the press conference are as follows:
Date: 04 November 2024
Time: 10:00
Venue: DA Caucus room, 3rd Floor, Gauteng Provincial Legislature
Address: 43 Rissik Street, Johannesburg