Panyaza Lesufi Defends Nkululeko Dunga After His Qualifications Questioned

• Gauteng Premier caused a stir when questions about EFF Gauteng chairperson Nkululeko Dunga arose
• Lesufi appointed Dunga as the province’s MEC for Finance after he reshuffled his multi-party cabinet
• His response caused a debate as opinions were split in the middle, with some standing by him and others berating him

With over seven years at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News, Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News current affairs journalist, offered insights into South African politics, national, provincial, and local governance, the Government of National Unity, political parties, and Parliament.

JOHANNESBURG— Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi defended his new MEC for Finance, Nkululeko Dunga, after his qualifications for the position came into question.

Lesufi reshuffled his cabinet on 1 April 2025 and appointed Dunga, who is the Economic Freedom Fighters Gauteng Chairperson. The inclusion of the EFF in the Government of Provincial Unity caused a notable stir, and a question about Dunga’s qualifications came into focus.

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Lesufi defends Nkululeko Dunga

In a viral clip posted by IFollowBack on his @NwanaVaida X account, Lesufi responded to the question and said that when John Steenhuisen was appointed as the Minister of Agriculture, the question of qualification did not arise. Steenhuisen became a minister after the Democratic Alliance joined the Government of National Unity. He also asked if the qualifications of Dean Macpherson, the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, were questioned when he was appointed. Lefusi added that the question was asked because of Dunga’s skin colour. He remarked that hunting for weaknesses in a fellow politician with whom there is a difference in opinion is wrong.

“Give him a chance to prove through his responsibility and lead a political office,” he said.

View the clip on X here:

The African National Congress Youth League was also displeased with Dunga’s inclusion. The party’s Gauteng Provincial Secretary, Mpumelelo Sangweni, accused Lesufi of going against the resolutions set by the African National Congress’s Provincial Working Committee. He stated that the Committee resolved that the number of the ANC within the provincial government will not be dwindled.

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South Africans debate his reaction

Netizens assumed different sides of the spectrum. Some agreed with Lesufi’s sentiments, while others called him out.

Those who slammed him

Skattie said:

“Lol, the race answer is manipulative. Dunga is not qualified for this post. This is stupid. Agriculture and finance are two different things.”

Mervyn Smith observed:

“Finance is not the same as the other portfolios. Lesufi is an idiot if he thinks all it takes is to put an EFF comrade there to vote with the ANC and push things through.”

Ngwato Lesiba slammed him.

“Lesufi is mad. Some of us are still slamming Cyril for appointing semi-illiterates and clowns in key positions like Steenhuisen, Macpherson, and Majodina. This question should not be a problem for a member of the EFF. They tell us that education is fashionable on that side.”

Those who supported Lesufi

Hellyboy Vhimba said:

“This response felled everyone in that room. Panyaza is not playing.”

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Nicolas Levie remarked:

“This is decisive leadership right there. Let’s stop undermining black leaders.”

Sonwabo observed:

“Comrsde Premier Lesufi is fearless, tactful, and direct. I hope the Congress movement will protect him. He can be an integral part of its renewal program.”

Panyaza Lesufi apologises for Gauteng Water woes

In a related article, Briefly News reported that Lesufi apologised for the province’s water challenges and promised to fix the issue. He spoke during his State of the Province Address on 23 February 2026.

Lesufi said that even though the province is making progress in resolving the water woes, the water challenges in Gauteng need constant monitoring. He said a new reservoir and other infrastructure are under construction to tackle the water challenges.

Source: Briefly News