Lesufi braids hair, but can he untangle Gauteng’s service delivery questions?

By Marcus Moloko

Gauteng Premier and ANC Provincial Chairperson Panyaza Lesufi has sparked heated debate after posting an image of himself braiding a woman’s hair in one of Gauteng’s informal settlements.

The photo, shared on social media, was intended to showcase a leader engaging directly with residents.

Lesufi joined the ANC West Rand REC for the Motho Mothong Door-to-Door Campaign and engaged residents, reinforcing the call to vote ANC on 03 February 2025.

ANC backers defended the gesture on social media, saying it reflected humility and a willingness to meet communities on their own terms, portraying Lesufi as a politician unafraid to roll up his sleeves.

Critics, however, dismissed it as a desperate campaign stunt amid mounting frustrations over service delivery failures.