Panyaza Lesufi and ‘The Citizen’: The real issue is trust
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Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, recently responded to The Citizen’s apology following the Press Council ruling on the Do the right thing, Lesufi – resign editorial published on 15 October 2025.
The council ruled that the publication incorrectly linked him to the Tembisa Hospital looting by stating that the looting happened under his watch.
As a result, the publication retracted the claim and apologised on 25 November 2025.
However, Lesufi didn’t hold back. In a post on X, he wrote:
“Check your facts before you insult me! You may hate me, but don’t abuse me!”
Although the apology settles the factual dispute, it doesn’t address the wider trust problem between Gauteng’s political leadership and the public.
THE PANYAZA LESUFI AND THE CITIZEN RULING EXPLAINED
Beyond the Tembisa claim, Lesufi also complained about the editorial’s reference to alleged wasteful school sanitation expenditure during his tenure as Gauteng’s Education MEC.
The Press Council dismissed this complaint, noting that the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) had found the procurement “manifestly unlawful.” The journalist’s commentary was based on verified information and presented as opinion, without accusing Lesufi of criminality.
However, as mentioned, on the Tembisa Hospital looting issue, the council ruled in Lesufi’s favour.
While this correction was appropriate, it highlights a broader need for balanced and accurate reporting.
WHY AMAPANYAZA STILL SHADOWS THE DEBATE
Lesufi’s credibility challenges remain strongly linked to the Amapanyaza crime-prevention project.
Public Protector, advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, recently found aspects of the rollout unlawful.
In response, the Democratic Alliance (DA) tabled a motion of no confidence, which eventually failed. Coalition dynamics rather than public confidence influenced the outcome.
Additionally, Lesufi has since disbanded the Amapanyaza crime prevention project.
Moreover, even if Lesufi is correct on the Tembisa matter, the ongoing Amapanyaza controversy continues to follow his administration.
MEDIA ACCURACY MATTERS AND SO DOES LEADERSHIP ACCOUNTABILITY
Indeed, The Citizen made an error, and it corrected it. However, political accountability does not end with a single retraction.
Lesufi’s frustrations are understandable, but frustration alone cannot substitute for clear and transparent leadership.
This is especially important in a province where safety, policing and service delivery remain top concerns.
WHY THE PANYAZA LESUFI AND THE CITIZEN CLASH MATTERS
Ultimately, this dispute is not only about one sentence in a newspaper.
It exposes the growing credibility gap between government, media and the communities they serve.
Lesufi may feel vindicated by the ruling.
However, until his administration deals directly with ongoing issues involving governance, policing and public money, a media correction alone is unlikely to shift public sentiment.
