Gauteng Premier David Makhura on Tuesday handed in his resignation letter to the ANC and provincial Gauteng government.
Makhura has confirmed that he will step down as premier and as a member of the Gauteng provincial legislature. It is expected to be effective from Thursday.
Makhura offered his resignation after the ANC provincial conference that saw Panyaza Lesufi elected leader of the ANC in Gauteng.
“It has been a privilege and honour to serve. In terms of all the performance indicators, before [the] Covid-19 health pandemic, my administration excelled. The auditor-general reports as well as the Gauteng Quality of Life Survey shows that very clearly,” Makhura said in an interview.
The ANC in Gauteng will meet on Tuesday night to discuss Makhura’s resignation, as well as the way forward.
Lesufi was among three candidates the ANC national leadership interviewed to replace Makhura on Monday.
“I am very happy to hand over to MEC Panyaza Lesufi. He has been one of the most hardworking and dedicated leaders in our province. When he is given a task, he takes it fully,” Makhura said.
With the ANC’s electoral support in Gauteng having declined in successive elections, Makhura acknowledged that the task ahead for Lesufi would be an uphill battle to fight.
“I think the ANC’s performance in an election should never be assessed based on the performance of just what one person can do. Perceptions about the ANC determine whether it can win the vote,” Makhura said.
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