Panyaza Lesufi, the premier of Gauteng, has said he wants the DA’s Refiloe Nt’sekhe to stay as deputy speaker in the provincial legislature. This is despite the ANC and DA in the province failing to agree on forming a coalition government in the province.
Following talks the DA decided not to take up positions in Lesufi’s cabinet, with the ANC holding seven posts and the IFP, PA, and Rise Mzansi, one post each.
The leader of the DA in Gauteng, Solly Msimanga, said last week that Nt’sekhe must resign and take up her seat in opposition.
Lesufi was quoted as saying: “We are going to persuade the DA to remain, I honestly believe we can still find common ground. The withdrawal of the deputy speaker is unfortunate and regrettable, but it is something that can be reversed. There was no need for them to abruptly withdraw the deputy speaker while we were going to discuss this matter. It’s unfortunate and regrettable, but we’ll persuade them. The door is open. We can’t close that door.”
Image: BK Tekane