Lesufi opens up about his childhood, football passion, leadership challenges, and his vision for transforming the province during a candid Kaya 959 Breakfast interview
By Mapaballo Borotho
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi joined DJ Fresh and Thato on Fresh Fridays on Kaya 959 Breakfast for a candid conversation about his childhood, leadership journey, Gauteng’s challenges, football and how he navigates constant public scrutiny.
The Premier spoke about his upbringing, how he got his name, his vision for the province, the importance of fixing infrastructure, his 2026 FIFA World Cup favourites, and the source of his humility.
The Kaya 959 Breakfast team asked Lesufi to describe his week in three words, and he chose “teka teka”.
“A lot of things are making me teka-teka this week. There’s so much happening; there are a lot of ups and downs. You move from the boardroom to a community session, then to the politics of the office,” he said.
Lesufi’s love for football and the story behind his name
When asked which team he is supporting at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Lesufi said he initially backed France before switching his support to Argentina after France’s elimination.
“I am a junkie for football, I live for football, I do football, I am football. But now that France is out of the World Cup, I am really rooting for Argentina. I love their dedication, commitment, and desire to show that they can win and defend the World Cup,” he said.
The Premier also revealed that his name, Panyaza, was inspired by football. His real name is Andrek, but he was named after former Swallows footballer Andries Panyaza Maseko.
Lesufi also addressed criticism he received after attending the South Africa versus Mexico World Cup match, clarifying that the trip was not funded by the government.
He said the ticket was a Father’s Day gift from his family, describing it as one of the best gifts he has ever received.
“However, that is my life, I am not complaining and I have accepted it. It is clear that people want to know everything about me, where I am, and what I am doing,” he said.
Fixing Gauteng’s ‘dark spots‘
Speaking about the state of Gauteng, Lesufi said the province remains one of South Africa’s most beautiful provinces, but acknowledged that it faces challenges.
He identified the Johannesburg CBD as one of the areas requiring urgent attention.
“The Johannesburg CBD remains that dark spot that needs to be addressed,” he said.
Lesufi also spoke about his passion for technology and innovation, including his vision for a speed train network connecting provinces.
However, he said basic service delivery remains a priority, citing that there’s nothing a city can achieve if it fails to deliver basic services to its people.
“But if we cannot fill a pothole, fix a streetlight or cut grass, then that weakens me,” he said.
The Premier added that Johannesburg’s 140th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the city, while also focusing on rebuilding Gauteng’s major metros, including Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and parts of Tshwane.
Listen to the full podcast for the full conversation about all things Panyaza Lesufi
