Gauteng ANC ‘flouted rules’ to keep support of labour unions, DA says

JOHANNESBURG – The Democratic Alliance (DA) has accused the African National Congress (ANC) leadership in Gauteng of interfering with labour issues in the legislature to gain favour with unions following the recent elections.

At a media briefing on Monday, the DA announced it would report Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and four other senior ANC legislature members to the Public Protector for violating their executive members’ ethics code.

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The allegations stem from a court affidavit by former Gauteng legislature secretary, Peter Skosana, who sued the government for breaching a settlement contract.

During the 2021/2022 financial year, the Gauteng legislature decided not to pay the 13th cheque bonus to its employees due to financial constraints.

In his court affidavit, Skosana said that the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) was particularly unhappy with this decision.

Skosana stated that in October last year, he was called to a meeting by ANC Chief Whip Lesego Makhubule. The meeting also included Premier Panyaza Lesufi and three other senior ANC legislature members.

Skosana claims that in the meeting, he was told to find the money for the 13th cheques.

DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga said this violated the separation of powers between the executive and the legislature.

“They were going to lose elections. They were trying to do each and every thing, including flouting the rules, to retain the support of NEHAWU.” 

At the time of publication, the ANC in Gauteng had not yet responded to questions from Eyewitness News.