A senior ANC source stated that President Cyril Ramaphosa used the weekend meeting between leaders of the Government of National Unity (GNU) at the Cradle of Humankind to persuade the DA to abandon its plan to bring a motion of no confidence against Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi. The private gathering was called by Ramaphosa with the intention of fostering greater GNU cooperation.

The DA, a crucial component of the multiparty coalition formed after the elections of last year, had made it clear that it would introduce a motion of no confidence against Lesufi. Lesufi, who also chairs the ANC in Gauteng, has expressed concern regarding the DA’s announcement last Thursday of its intention to table a motion of no confidence against him. The DA cited Lesufi's "failed and costly Crime Prevention Wardens programme," widely known as AmaPanyaza, as the primary reason for their decision, claiming to possess the necessary numbers for a successful ousting. The program was illegal, according to the Public Protector's findings.

After that, Lesufi made the announcement that the AmaPanyaza program would be phased out over the next 36 months and that wardens would be retrained to become full-fledged Traffic Officers. This u-turn has been viewed by the DA as an admission of failure and a vindication of their long-standing criticism. The DA has been a staunch critic of the programme, with its Gauteng leader, Solly Msimanga, previously cautioning that the initiative was "ill-conceived, poorly implemented, and unsustainable." An ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) member indicated that the DA’s push to oust Lesufi is losing momentum in the wake of Ramaphosa’s discussions with GNU partners. "There were talks on the sidelines to find a solution regarding the DA’s proposal in Gauteng to oust the premier...

We can't be in a coalition and then have infighting," disclosed a source close to the discussions. Although we differ provincially, our national partnership is not ideal." The source added, "The DA in Gauteng has to find a way to be able to work with the premier." Another source within the GNU, confirmed that during the confidential discussions, the possibility of establishing a government of provincial unity in Gauteng was actively explored. According to the source, making such a move would significantly limit the DA's capacity to unilaterally remove Lesufi. Msimanga claimed that he was not present at the meeting and was unaware of the discussions that took place outside of it. The party's spokespersons Karabo Khakhau and Willie Aucamp did not respond to requests for comment on the meeting between Ramaphosa and their party leaders.

Lesufi’s spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga, said the DA had not won a single motion since the establishment of the seventh administration. "So it’s clear this is another stunt by the DA to play to the public gallery rather than offering concrete solutions to fight crime in the province,” Mhlanga stated. The ANC has also publicly expressed its unwavering confidence in Lesufi's leadership. Mzi Khumalo, the ANC's spokesperson, stated that the party would reject any motion of no confidence. “Our ANC Caucus of the GPL (Gauteng Provincial Legislature) will work with other political parties to defeat the DA's motion of no confidence. We remain confident in the leadership of comrade Panyaza Lesufi as our Premier,” Khumalo said.

Metjie Makgoba, a political analyst, stated that Ramaphosa's intervention indicated a strategic move to stabilize the coalition, particularly in light of tensions in the provinces. "The discussions around a 'government of provincial unity' in Gauteng are particularly telling, suggesting a proactive effort to circumvent the DA's attempts to disrupt the provincial executive.

John Steenhuisen (DA), Velenkosini Hlabisa (IFP), and Gayton McKenzie (PA), among others, attended the meeting, which was led by Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile. In a joint media statement, the 10 parties declared that the GNU “is united and strong,” and agreed to regular forums for strategic political direction. While acknowledging difficulties, particularly around the 2025 budget process where the DA initially opposed but later supported its passing, the leaders emphasised that "important lessons" were learned to ensure more effective consultation.