FF Plus lodges complaint with Integrity Commissioner against Lesufi for his AfriForum lies

25 October 2021

Earlier today, the FF Plus lodged a formal complaint against the Gauteng MEC for Education, Panyaza Lesufi, with the Gauteng Legislature's Integrity Commissioner for the false accusations he made against AfriForum by insinuating that the organisation wants to assassinate him and is stalking his children and family.

In a joint statement with AfriForum issued yesterday, Lesufi admitted that the allegations were false and he retracted them. The false allegations that Lesufi made are very serious and are not in keeping with the integrity that an MEC is expected to demonstrate. Consequently, the FF Plus lodged the complaint requesting an investigation into whether he is suitable to remain in his office as MEC.

The complaint lodged by the FF Plus is based on provisions of the Gauteng Legislature's Code of Conduct and Ethics. The FF Plus claims that Lesufi violated Section 5(1) by intentionally misleading the Legislature concerning the situation with AfriForum. Lesufi made reference, in the Legislature, to the supposed threat to his own life and the lives of his family members on several occasions.

In addition, the FF Plus claims that Lesufi also violated Section 5(2) seeing as his conduct is irreconcilable with his position as MEC, which requires the highest level of integrity.

And finally, the FF Plus claims that his conduct constitutes a violation of Section 5(4) because it does not reflect the dignity and integrity associated with his office as MEC.

Over the years, Lesufi has demonstrated several forms of misconduct, to the detriment of the public. These instances will also be submitted to the Integrity Commissioner to show that he has very unhealthy behavioural patterns and is, therefore, unfit to hold the office of MEC.

The FF Plus will keep a close eye on the process of the complaint to ensure that the issue is treated with the gravity it deserves.

Issued by Anton Alberts, FF Plus national chairperson and MPL: Gauteng, 25 October 2021