Andrek “Panyaza” Lesufi is one of South Africa’s most prominent provincial politicians, best known for his no-nonsense public style, long record in education, and current role as Premier of Gauteng.
Over three decades Lesufi has moved from student activism to influential public office, shaping education policy and provincial governance in South Africa’s economic heartland.
Bio Data
- Full Name: Andrek Panyaza Lesufi
- Stage Name: Panyaza Lesufi
- Born: 4 September 1968
- Age: 56 years old (as of 2024)
- Birthplace: Edenvale, Gauteng, South Africa
- Nationality: South African
- Occupation: Politician, Premier of Gauteng
- Religion: Christian (widely reported, though not officially stated)
- Net Worth: Not publicly confirmed (estimated between $1M–$3M by public sources, not officially verified)
Early life and education
Panyaza Lesufi was born on 4 September 1968 in Edenvale, then part of the Transvaal, and grew up in Tembisa after his family were moved under apartheid-era group-area policies. He became involved in student politics early, serving in student representative structures while studying at the University of Natal (now University of KwaZulu-Natal). Lesufi later earned a Master of Business Administration and continued to balance community activism with academic and political responsibilities.
From activism to ANC politics
Lesufi’s political roots come from the anti-apartheid student and community movements of the late 1980s and early 1990s. He was active in Congress-aligned student organisations and in local community structures aligned with the United Democratic Front. His activism included community organising, youth outreach and, during times of political turmoil, participation in local defence and safety efforts. These formative experiences built his reputation as a grassroots organiser and a leader willing to take direct action.
Rise through provincial government
Lesufi entered formal provincial politics through the African National Congress and served in multiple provincial portfolios. He gained widespread public recognition during his time as Gauteng’s Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Education (2014–2022), where he championed reforms aimed at raising standards in township and public schools and improving infrastructure and learner outcomes. His tenure in education, combined with visible and sometimes confrontational media appearances, made him a household name across Gauteng.
Premier of Gauteng
In October 2022 Lesufi was sworn in as the Premier of Gauteng — South Africa’s most populous and economically significant province. He was re-elected and continued to lead the provincial government into the subsequent term, overseeing service delivery, infrastructure projects, and provincial policy initiatives. As Premier he has combined a focus on visible service delivery (roads, schools, community safety) with high-profile campaigns and programmes intended to boost employment and local economic participation.
Key policies and initiatives
Lesufi’s administration has emphasised practical service delivery and youth skills development. Among programmes launched under his leadership was an initiative to build internal state capacity to deliver maintenance and basic services — framed as a way to reduce over-reliance on private contractors and create work opportunities for local youth. He has also prioritised education reforms, township economic support and community safety investments. Many of these moves were showcased during his State of the Province addresses and public briefings.
Achievements and public reception
Supporters praise Lesufi for his direct approach, for prioritising schools and township development, and for pushing a visible “service-first” narrative. Under his leadership Gauteng has launched targeted spending on township businesses, community safety budgets, and youth skills programmes — which officials point to as evidence of a results-oriented provincial administration. International and national attention around Gauteng’s hosting of major events and the province’s push for local economic participation has also raised his profile.
Controversies and criticisms
Lesufi’s career is not free from controversy. Critics have pointed to procurement and accountability concerns during the Covid-era “deep cleaning” of schools and other procurement decisions in provincial departments, issues that attracted media scrutiny and raised questions about governance and oversight. As a high-profile politician with a blunt public persona, he has also sometimes clashed with opposition parties, civil society groups, and sections of the media.
Personal life and character
Lesufi is known privately as an avid football fan and publicly as someone who projects energy and urgency when discussing public service delivery. His story — from Tembisa youth activist to provincial premier — is often framed as a narrative of persistence and focus on practical change. While he keeps some aspects of his personal life private, his public persona is that of a working politician deeply involved in provincial governance and constituency issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When and where was Panyaza Lesufi born?
He was born on 4 September 1968 in Edenvale and raised in Tembisa.
What is Lesufi’s educational background?
Lesufi studied at the University of Natal and later obtained an MBA.
When did he become Premier of Gauteng?
Lesufi was sworn in as Premier in October 2022 and has continued in the role into the following term.
What was his most prominent prior role?
He served as Gauteng MEC for Education from 2014 until 2022, and his education reforms are among his most visible achievements.
Has Lesufi faced controversies?
Yes — his administration has faced scrutiny over some procurement decisions (notably “deep cleaning” contracts during Covid) and other governance questions.
Conclusion
Panyaza Lesufi’s life traces a classic trajectory in modern South African politics: early activism, steady rise through party and provincial structures, and a leadership role in the country’s most important province. His record in education and his energetic approach to governance have made him both popular among supporters and a lightning rod for critics. As Premier of Gauteng he now faces the hard test of turning promises into durable improvements in service delivery, jobs, and governance. If he succeeds, his legacy will be a strengthened provincial state that delivers for ordinary Gauteng residents.
