By Marcus Moloko
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has refused to comply with an ANC demand to remove a controversial billboard featuring Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.
The billboard, unveiled in Mamelodi, depicts Lesufi in a shower alongside the slogan: “The ANC showers in hotels. You have no water. Vote DA to put water in your taps.”
The billboard mocks Lesufi’s recent admission that he had to shower at a hotel due to water outages at his home.
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This week, the ANC issued a 12- hour ultimatum for the DA to take down the billboard and related social media posts, calling it demeaning and a violation of the Electoral Act.
The governing party has threatened urgent court action if the billboard remains in place.
Federal council chairperson Helen Zille and Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga said the party would not budge, insisting the billboard is legitimate political messaging that reflects the “lived reality” of residents facing water shortages.
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The DA doubled down on its position in a statement, urging Lesufi to address Gauteng’s water crisis with the same urgency he has shown in trying to silence the billboard.
The dispute comes amid a heated election season and follows other DA moves targeting Lesufi, including a motion of no confidence in his controversial Amapanyaza crime prevention wardens.
