The Democratic Alliance (DA) expressed disappointment with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), ActionSA, uMkhonto we Sizwe Party (MKP), Rise Mzansi, and Build One South Africa (BOSA) for opposing its motion of no confidence against Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, vowing to continue pushing for his removal.

Lesufi survived the motion brought against him, with 24 members voting in favour of the motion, while 4 voted against it.

DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga tabled the motion, arguing that it followed “years of frustration and outcry” from Gauteng residents over service delivery issues.

“Rather than acting on their own criticism of Lesufi over the Amapanyaza scandal, his shielding of corrupt officials by refusing to release lifestyle audits, his decision to keep forensic reports hidden while ignoring their recommendations, and failure to dismiss senior managers in Gauteng departments implicated in corruption, [the parties that voted against the motion] have folded and chosen not to hold him accountable,” Msimanga stated.

He pointed out most of these political parties were aligned with the African National Congress (ANC) and he accused them of protecting their own positions.

“Their actions suggest a willingness to prioritise political convenience over accountability and good governance.

“For example, ActionSA is currently part of the governing coalition in Tshwane, and its leaders in the Gauteng provincial legislature (GPL) may have feared that voting against Lesufi could jeopardise their position there, including the possibility of Mayor Dr  Nasiphi Moya's removal,” Msimanga said.

He said the IFP currently held an MMC position in the ANC-run City of Johannesburg, which they could not jeopardise.

He also noted that Rise Mzansi’s Vuyiswa Ramokgopa served as MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development in Lesufi’s executive.

He challenged that as a result, her party was likely hesitant to vote against Lesufi, for fear of losing the position.

“Although not governing with the ANC anywhere in Gauteng, both the EFF, BOSA and MKP fell into the trap of letting their vendetta against the DA take precedence over the needs of the people of Gauteng,” Msimanga added.

“History will judge these political parties for turning a blind eye to save a Premier who has clearly proven unfit for office. It will, however, absolve the DA for standing as a voice of reason, focused on the interests of the people rather than on power and positions,” he stated.

The party further commended the FF+ for supporting the DA's motion and said the African Christian Democratic Party should have gone a step further than abstaining on the vote.