Premier Lesufi distances himself from the unauthorised event
On 9 October 2025, the Office of the Gauteng Premier released a statement to correct misinformation. The misinformation about a “Prayer Day” event purportedly organised for Tembisa Hospital.
A poster promoting the event featuring Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s photograph gave the false impression that he endorsed and would attend it.
The Premier’s Office clarified that Premier Lesufi was unaware of the event.
“As soon as the Premier became aware of it, he advised the organisers to withdraw the poster and cancel the event. The event, therefore, is no longer happening,” the statement read.
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Clarifying misinformation and protecting public trust
The unauthorised poster, which spread rapidly on social media, led to public confusion about the Premier’s involvement.
Officials from the Premier’s Office said the prompt clarification was necessary to prevent further misunderstanding. It was also to reaffirm government transparency in public communication.
Premier Lesufi’s immediate instruction to cancel the event demonstrated the provincial government’s zero-tolerance approach to misinformation.
Premier Lesufi’s continued focus on reforming Tembisa Hospital
The Premier’s Office reiterated that Premier Lesufi’s attention remains focused on fixing the systemic problems at Tembisa Hospital.
“Premier Lesufi’s focus remains unequivocally on the urgent work of restoring good governance and public trust in Tembisa Hospital.”
The Premier’s Office added that he is committed to working with the Gauteng Department of Health. He is intentional on implementing the recommendations outlined in the recently released Special Investigating Unit (SIU) interim report.
These include measures to strengthen accountability, improve financial management, and rebuild confidence in the facility’s operations.
Accountability and reform at the centre of government action
The SIU report identified governance failures that require swift intervention.
The statement confirmed that the provincial government will ensure “swift and decisive action is taken against all officials implicated in the report, in line with the government’s commitment to accountability and clean administration.”
This forms part of a broader provincial drive to improve service delivery and strengthen ethical leadership across Gauteng’s public institutions.
Rebuilding integrity and public confidence
Premier Lesufi’s intervention around the unauthorised “Prayer Day” event underscores a wider principle. A principle that credible governance begins with accuracy and accountability.
By acting quickly, the Premier protected both his office’s integrity and the credibility of ongoing reforms at Tembisa Hospital.
Officials stressed that the hospital’s transformation plan is already underway and will prioritise staff morale, operational efficiency, and public trust.
The government also appealed to the public to rely on verified communication channels for official information.
Working together for accountable governance
Reform in institutions such as Tembisa Hospital depends on collaboration between the government, health workers, and citizens.
Residents are encouraged to participate actively by staying informed, engaging constructively with community health forums, and holding leaders accountable for promised changes.
The Office of the Premier reaffirmed that the administration will continue implementing the SIU recommendations to ensure Tembisa Hospital delivers ethical, efficient healthcare to the people of Gauteng.
A call to support transparency and reform
The swift cancellation of the unauthorised “Prayer Day” event highlights the importance of clear, honest communication between the government and the public.
As the Premier’s Office continues its focus on reform, Gauteng residents can help strengthen accountability by verifying information before sharing it and by supporting transparent governance.
By working together, leaders, citizens, and civil society, Gauteng can move closer to a public service that reflects integrity, efficiency, and the trust of those it serves.
