Did Lesufi take credit for DA-funded transformer in Soweto?

Has Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi taken credit for replacing a transformer in Soweto after the DA raised funds to buy it?

This is the question being asked on social media this week about the replacement of a transformer in Snake Park, Soweto.

Zille and Lesufi clash over credit for Soweto transformer

At 4pm on Wednesday, the DA in Gauteng released a campaign video about the party raising funds to buy a new blue transformer and coordinating with Eskom to switch the electricity back on.

DA’s mayoral candidate Helen Zille said residents in Dobsonville, Meadowlands, and Snake Park sat in the dark for months.

“The city didn’t step in to try and restore power, so the DA raised the money, bought new transformers, partnered with Eskom, and switched people’s electricity back on,” Zille said.

“That’s what happens when you get things done instead of making excuses, but not everyone wants the lights back on.”

In a surprising move, about an hour later, at 6pm, the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) and Lesufi posted pictures of a transformer replacement in Snake Park under Operation Khanyisa.

“Lights are back on in Snake Park. For Thato Vilakazi and many families in Ward 50 in Snake Park, Soweto, the switch-on of transformers brings relief after a long period without electricity,” the government posted as a caption with a video of Lesufi talking to Vilakazi.

Gauteng govt posted pictures of transformer replacement after DA

“Through Operation Khanyisa, the GPG is restoring power to communities without electricity as a result of illegal connections and vandalism of infrastructure, among others.”

In the video, Lesufi thanked the resident for being patient and understanding before doing a countdown to turn the electricity on.

Responding to the premier’s post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Zille posted a GIF of a child laughing with the caption, “Wow. No skaam. You know the DA paid for that transformer and arranged for Eskom to install it. You rush up the next day and claim credit.”

Lesufi didn’t respond directly to Zille’s post, but he did respond to X users asking if he was claiming the DA’s achievement.

“Not at all. We’ve been doing this since 2020, long before the old Ford Cortina. Even today we launched another one,” the premier said.

The Citizen reached out to Lesufi’s office for comment. The article will be updated should the publication receive it.