In a decisive victory for Gauteng's minority government, Premier Panyaza Lesufi has successfully fended off a motion of no confidence tabled by the Democratic Alliance (DA), securing his position amid ongoing political tensions in South Africa's economic hub. The vote, held on November 14, 2025, in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, saw a clear majority reject the DA's bid to oust Lesufi, with 54 votes against the motion, 24 in favor, one abstention, and the Speaker not participating. This outcome underscores the fragile alliances in the province and highlights deep divisions over governance and accountability.The motion, introduced three weeks prior by DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga, centered on allegations of incompetence, corruption, and poor governance under Lesufi's leadership. Key grievances included the unlawful establishment of the Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens, popularly known as "Amapanyaza," which the Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka deemed an irregular and unlawful policing structure. Other issues raised were the Tembisa Hospital tender corruption scandal, 177 unresolved forensic reports, lifestyle audits, non-profit organization mismanagement, and inadequate care for cancer patients. Msimanga described Lesufi's administration as reactive and arrogant, arguing it had eroded public trust and weakened institutions.The Amapanyaza program, launched in 2023, aimed to bolster crime prevention but faced criticism for overstepping constitutional boundaries. Following the Public Protector's findings, the wardens were disbanded, with Lesufi announcing plans to repurpose them—some undergoing full training as traffic wardens—while integrating others into provincial security structures. Despite these reforms, the DA pressed forward, viewing the scandal as emblematic of broader failures.The legislature sitting was marked by chaos, including disruptions from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who entered singing struggle songs, along with howling, interjections, and insults. Most parties, including the ANC, MK Party, ActionSA, EFF, Patriotic Alliance, Rise Mzansi, IFP, and BOSA, voted against the motion, labeling it frivolous, incompetent, and a desperate act of political theater. Only the Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) joined the DA in support, while the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) abstained.Reactions poured in swiftly. Lesufi, also the ANC provincial chairperson, addressed supporters outside the legislature, expressing gratitude and renewed energy: "We are re-energized to defeat racist people… together we will serve our people." He pledged to prioritize lifestyle audits and continue governance reforms. ANC chief whip Lesego Makhubela slammed the DA for attempting to destabilize Gauteng ahead of the G20 Summit, accusing them of unsubstantiated ties to disruptions.Opposition parties justified their stances variably. The EFF demanded a DA apology for past derogatory remarks about their leaders before considering support. ActionSA's Funzi Ngobeni argued that opposing the motion protected the legislature's credibility, criticizing the DA's opportunism and recalling their earlier support for Lesufi's nomination in June 2024. The MK Party's Thabang Nkani called the DA's incompetence "astonishing," vowing to ensure they "do not see the light of day." MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela emphasized ideological opposition, stating they would not back anything DA-related.The DA, undeterred, decried the result as a betrayal of Gauteng residents, accusing opposing parties of endorsing corruption and maladministration. They publicly named the parties that "chose to keep Gauteng trapped in the ANC's chaos and decay." ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba questioned the DA's consistency, suggesting they start with a national motion against the President.Social media buzzed with mixed sentiments. Supporters celebrated with songs and chants, while critics highlighted the DA's failure and accused parties like ActionSA and EFF of hypocrisy. One user reframed the headline: "The DA loses a motion of no confidence against Panyaza Lesufi." Another questioned Gauteng residents' satisfaction with continued leadership amid allegations of looting and mismanagement.This episode reflects the precarious balance in Gauteng's Government of Provincial Unity, where no single party holds a majority. As the province prepares for the G20 Summit, Lesufi's survival may stabilize short-term governance but intensifies scrutiny on accountability and service delivery. With elections on the horizon, this clash could reshape alliances and voter priorities.