The Gauteng government has slammed the DA’s Solly Msimanga, dismissing his claims about undisclosed MEC performance agreements as “factually incorrect and misleading,” and insisting the documents were made public months ago.
Msimanga demanded that Premier Panyaza Lesufi release signed performance agreements for all MECs, a move he framed as necessary for transparency and accountability.
But the provincial government said that the call was based on flawed facts.
In a firm response, it confirmed that all MEC performance agreements were published on October 16, 2025, and communicated through an official media statement at the time.
The government argued there was no secrecy, only a failure by the DA to take note.
“If the DA missed this, it is not a failure of government transparency, but a failure on their part to pay attention,” the statement read.
It accused the party of favouring provocative public rhetoric over genuine constructive oversight.
The response did not stop there. The Gauteng government described Msimanga’s remarks as a “misguided attempt” to manufacture controversy and push a narrative that does not exist.
It further accused the DA of pursuing a politically driven campaign against Lesufi. “This slip-up exposes a strategy of creating a non-existent crisis,” the statement said.
“These are the mistakes that happen when political motives outweigh a genuine commitment to accountability.”
Msimanga, however, stood by his position, questioning what the Premier might be hiding and suggesting that underperforming MECs or political allies could be shielded from scrutiny.
The Gauteng government rejected this outright, calling the claims baseless and driven by fact-free propaganda and preconceived narratives rather than evidence.
“It is clear the DA does not objectively seek facts,” the statement said, adding that information is being weaponised to score political points.
Despite the clash, the provincial government reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and service delivery, urging opposition parties to focus on constructive oversight instead of unfounded claims.
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Kamogelo Moichela
iol.co.za
