Frustration Boils Over as Gauteng ANC Youth League Accuses Premier Panyaza Lesufi of Neglecting Youth Empowerment and Excluding Young People from Economic Opportunities
Tensions between the Gauteng ANCYL and Premier Panyaza Lesufi have reached a boiling point, with the youth league going public about what they describe as a politically “abusive relationship” with the provincial leadership. The league has accused Lesufi of neglecting the interests of young people, particularly in critical areas of economic inclusion, job creation, and leadership development.
In a fiery press briefing held on Wednesday, Gauteng ANCYL Chairperson Ntsako Mogobe and Secretary Mpume Sangweni voiced serious concerns over the province’s direction under Lesufi’s leadership—claiming that youth issues are consistently sidelined despite repeated engagements and proposals.
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The Boiling Point: ‘We Are in an Abusive Relationship’
With raw emotion and no-holds-barred language, the youth league likened its relationship with Lesufi to an abusive one.
“Young people love the premier, but he doesn’t love us,” said ANCYL Secretary Mpume Sangweni.
“We are in an abusive relationship. He makes promises that never materialise. We’re now using creative ways to be heard.”
Their frustration is not new, but the recent revelation that R1.8 billion was returned to the National Treasury due to underspending has stoked the flames. According to Gauteng finance and economic development MEC Lebogang Maile, much of this underspending originated from the health and education departments—both areas that are crucial to youth upliftment and future prospects.
Out of a final 2024/25 provincial budget of R168.76 billion, the province spent R166.97 billion, leaving R1.799 billion unspent. Health and education accounted for R1.041 billion (58%) of that figure, while the remaining R769 million (42%) was attributed to other departments.
‘Asi’Spani’ and the Irony of Youth Month
The media briefing happened right in the heart of Youth Month, a time traditionally focused on empowerment and youth-led change. But the league says young people are more excluded than ever.
“We cannot survive on empty promises and slogans. We don’t have jobs—asi’Spani,” said Mogobe.
They criticised the implementation of the Nasi Ispani job creation initiative, saying it was “a brilliant programme handed over to an incompetent government.” The league believes that a genuine commitment to tackling unemployment would include young leaders and voices in its planning and delivery—not just in photo ops and promises.
Lack of Youth Representation: A Broken Promise
The ANCYL expressed deep disappointment that the Gauteng Youth Advisory Panel—a commitment made by Lesufi—has yet to be implemented months after his State of the Province Address (SOPA). According to Sangweni, this is just one example of many broken promises.
“We’ve had the engagements. We’ve sat at the table. Yet none of the agreed-upon actions have been implemented. How long must we wait?” he asked.
The league further challenged the notion that young people are not ready for leadership roles. They pointed out that one current MEC was appointed at just 26 years old, proving that readiness isn’t an age issue but one of political will.
What the ANCYL Wants
The ANCYL is demanding:
- Immediate implementation of the Gauteng Youth Advisory Panel
- Transparent youth inclusion in all provincial economic programmes
- 60% procurement prioritisation for youth-owned local businesses
- An end to empty rhetoric and real action on youth unemployment
They say this is not about waging war against the ANC leadership, but about holding it accountable, especially when the lives and futures of young South Africans are at stake.
“We love our premier, but love without action is just noise,” Mogobe concluded.
Looking Forward: A Youth League That Won’t Stay Quiet
The youth league has vowed to find more “creative and disruptive” ways to get the provincial leadership’s attention if their demands continue to be ignored.
With youth unemployment in Gauteng remaining one of the highest in the country, and billions left unused, the ANCYL’s grievances resonate deeply. As South Africa moves forward in its democratic journey, the voice of its youth may just become its most uncompromising conscience.
