Clash at Gauteng Sopa 2024: EFF and AmaPanyaza Confrontation Escalates to Chaos

Chaotic scenes unfolded at the Nasrec Expo Centre as the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) members engaged in a heated altercation with Premier Panyaza Lesufi's appointed crime prevention wardens, AmaPanyaza, during the significant event of Gauteng's State of the Province Address (Sopa) on Monday night. The tension rose sharply just before Premier Lesufi was set to deliver a crucial address, marking the final Sopa for the current administration.

The confrontation was sparked by a point of order raised by the EFF’s Deputy Chairperson in Gauteng, Phillip Makwala, who questioned the presence of AmaPanyaza at the Sopa. The crime prevention wardens, who were part of the audience, reacted strongly by hurling water bottles and shouting in retaliation to Makwala’s query. The incident brought the assembly into disarray and forced the Gauteng Speaker, Ntombi Mekgwe, to intervene, asking the deputy chairperson to take his seat, yet the disorder continued with reciprocal outbursts from Nasi iSpani beneficiaries, which included individuals employed in various municipal roles.

The disruption lasted approximately ten minutes but didn't overshadow Premier Lesufi's address, who moved forward to outline the impressive strides made in economic transformation within the Gauteng townships. He proudly announced the refurbishment of over 3,000 spaza shops and the creation of a comprehensive digital township business register, aimed at revitalizing the local economy and reclaiming the township spaza shops.

Premier Lesufi further emphasized the expansion of rental stock and economic growth within townships, mentioning the support given to landlords, which had facilitated the construction of numerous backyard and commercial rental units. Amid these developments, he also turned the focus towards the critical issue of load-shedding. Lesufi unveiled a five-point strategy which included measures from eliminating illegal power connections to adding 100 megawatts of electricity to the grid, showing his commitment to mitigating the energy crisis.

He also highlighted the Solar Gas Turbines projects in Johannesburg as part of the broader Gauteng Energy Response Plan, which are set to help keep the lights on from April 1. These projects form part of a concerted effort to strengthen the province's infrastructure and ensure sustainable growth and development.

While the altercation momentarily shifted the spotlight, the Premier's address metaphorically restored order, showing the government's dedication to tackling key issues facing the province. Lesufi's stance against load-shedding and his support for the township economy and infrastructure development painted a picture of a proactive administration set to leave a significant legacy as their term concludes.