Residents threaten to punish ANC at upcoming polls after Lesufi’s water blunder

Some disgruntled 702 listeners have threatened to punish the African National Congress (ANC) at the polls at the upcoming local government elections after Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s water blunder.

During a press briefing to address the persistent water challenges in parts of Johannesburg on Wednesday, Lesufi tried to allay frustrations by telling journalists he is equally inconvenienced by ageing infrastructure and system constraints.

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“I also experience water shortages, and in certain instances, I had to go to a certain hotel so that I could bathe and go to my commitments. We also go through the same inconvenience like any other person - there's not special water or a special time that is designed to service other people.”

He later apologised in a one-page statement on his X account, where he said he regrets the impression his comments gave, adding he is not immune to the frustration of water shortages.

Despite the turnabout, Lesufi’s comments have since been met with outrage, with affected residents accusing Lesufi of being tone deaf.

“Panyaza speaks from a place of privilege. We are here today because of the ANC. Thank you so much, Panyaza. We'll see you at the ballot box,” said one resident.

“I thought he was the intelligent one, he's going to turn things around, but Panyaza you are just like all of them. Mr Lesufi, I hope you know we're going to vote,” said another.

“I think Panyaza's apology/explanation is almost as bad as the original statement itself. What people are miffed about is the fact that he appears to rub his privilege in people's faces,” another said.