Panyaza Lesufi is back on social media after briefly deactivating his X account following a summons from ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula over his remarks on the Government of National Unity (NGU). Lesufi’s return to social media was marked by a swift response to AfriForum’s accusations of corruption, which he seems to dismiss with a “try harder” comment.
AfriForum’s statement alleged that Lesufi is involved in the disappearance of hundreds of millions of Rand meant for needy NGOs through the Department of Social Development. The organization claims to represent a whistleblower who exposed corruption, including forensic reports indicating officials committed crimes like fraud, corruption, and money laundering ¹.
Lesufi’s office has been accused of attempting to conceal these alleged crimes by lifting suspensions of implicated officials and terminating the law firm handling disciplinary hearings. AfriForum’s head of private prosecution, Adv. Gerrie Nel, views this conduct as potentially defeating justice and wasting resources.
This isn’t the first time Lesufi and AfriForum have clashed. There have been previous disputes, including defamation allegations and opposition to the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill.
