ANC Gauteng Convener Panyaza Lesufi Talks Service Delivery Ahead of Manifesto Launch
What Lesufi Said About the Party’s Record
Panyaza Lesufi, the ANC’s Gauteng provincial convener, admitted that the party can do better when it comes to delivering services. At the same time, he highlighted what the ANC has already built—roads, schools, clinics, hospitals, and police stations—stressing that no one can claim the party has never delivered any of these.
Why Services Feel Inadequate
Lesufi pointed out that the real issue isn’t a lack of construction but a mismatch between planning and the rapid population growth Gauteng is experiencing. He explained two main factors:
- Migration from other provinces: People see Gauteng as a land of opportunity and move there in large numbers.
- Influx from other African countries: Many undocumented migrants also settle in the province, putting extra pressure on resources.
Because budgeting and planning didn’t keep up with this surge, services like water, electricity, and waste collection sometimes fall short, leading to potholes and uncollected rubbish that residents notice every day.
The Upcoming Manifesto
The ANC plans to unveil its election manifesto at Riverside Park near Diepsloot on Sunday, with party leader Cyril Ramaphosa delivering the keynote address. The document will outline the party’s vision for local government, service delivery, economic growth, and community upliftment ahead of the local government elections in three months.
Leadership Selections Still in Progress
Although the party initially said it would reveal its mayoral candidates, it instead announced a list of potential nominees for various leadership roles. The final mayoral picks will be shared in September.
Communicating the Bigger Picture
Lesufi believes the ANC needs to improve how it talks about its achievements. He argues that voters often focus on individual frustrations—no house, no job, delayed NSFAS payments—while missing the broader development picture. By shifting the conversation from personal grievances to collective progress, he thinks people will better appreciate what the government is doing.
Showcasing New Housing Models
At the manifesto launch, the ANC will highlight innovative housing projects that aim to mix income groups in the same neighborhoods. Lesufi described these areas as places where rich and poor can live side by side, walk to shops and industrial zones, and enjoy clean, reliable infrastructure.
Addressing Arrogance and Accountability
While confident in the ANC’s ability to lead, Lesufi warned against arrogance. He called for clearer municipal responsibilities, better monitoring, and lessons learned from past planning errors. He also stressed that local government’s role goes beyond fixing potholes—it includes spatial planning, budgeting, and long‑term development.
Electricity and Water: Access vs. Maintenance
Lesufi noted that virtually every household in Gauteng is connected to the electricity grid; problems usually stem from faulty transformers or load‑shedding, not a lack of access. The same goes for water: most people can reach a water point within a short distance, but ageing infrastructure sometimes causes interruptions.
Conclusion
Panyaza Lesufi’s message is clear: the ANC acknowledges shortcomings in service delivery but points to a solid foundation of built infrastructure and ongoing projects. The upcoming manifesto aims to explain how the party plans to manage rapid population growth, improve municipal oversight, and showcase new housing solutions. Whether voters will be convinced depends on how well the ANC communicates its achievements and addresses the everyday challenges they face.
