Gauteng DA hints at motion of no confidence to remove Lesufi as Premier

JOHANNESBURG - The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng has hinted it is building a case to remove Premier Panyaza Lesufi through a motion of no confidence.

Earlier on Thursday, the official opposition party held a media briefing on Thursday, tabling what it calls the true state of the province address.

This is part of a long-held tradition by the party to hold its own State of Province (SOPA) ahead of the official one by the premier next Monday.

The DA has repeatedly claimed the current administration in Gauteng is refusing to publicly release over 100 forensic investigation reports into corruption at the provincial government.

The Gauteng government has denied this, saying it can only release reports that are complete.

READ: Some DA leaders say Gauteng has regressed under Premier Lesufi

DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga said these reports would reveal the large scale of corruption that has taken place under the current and previous administrations.

"We’re asking for better accountability in terms of the programmes government is implementing now. I promise you now we are building up towards something now and it might lead to a motion of no confidence against Panyaza Lesufi - if we continue to have these failed reports made public. If we continue to have failed programmes that are being implemented."

Lesufi currently leads a minority government in Gauteng, meaning he would have to lobby parties outside of his cabinet to survive a motion of no confidence vote.