Lesufi was under pressure to appoint Dunga: DA

Gauteng Premier Panyaza briefs the media at the Provincial Legislature in Johannesburg on Apr 1, 2026.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng says Premier Panyaza Lesufi was under pressure to appoint Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) Provincial Chairperson Nkululeko Dunga as Finance MEC.

Lesufi made the announcement during a media briefing on Wednesday night.

Dunga takes over from Lebogang Maile, who has been deployed to lead the Education and Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation portfolio.

Speaking to SABC News, Provincial DA leader Solly Msimanga denies that Lesufi consulted him about re-engaging in conversations about joining the cabinet.

Msimanga says, “I don’t envy Panyaza at this point because if you were to think about it, last week there had been letter that were written by both the uMkhonto weSizwe, also by the EFF stating that they will not be supporting Panyaza’s budget, so he was acting under pressure because last week when the legislature meeting was scheduled to have a conversation and budget votes, they asked for this meeting to be postponed because he needed to ensure that he will be able to bring in people that would be able to support them.”

He adds, “The EFF had threatened to pull out any government that has to do with the ANC in Gauteng if they were not going to get their way in Ekurhuleni and therefore Panyaza was under pressure because (Nkosindiphile)Xakaza was not moving in anyway to accomodate the EFF and this is what we are seeing what we are seeing.”