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Lesufi takes "old Ford Cortina" jibe at Zille in Alexandra

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Ongoing: Elections Hot

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi repeatedly mentioned an "old Ford Cortina" while campaigning door to door for the ANC on Wednesday, without naming the DA. ANC members said he meant Helen Zille, the DA's Johannesburg mayoral candidate.

Lesufi told ANC volunteers that no old Ford Cortina would run Johannesburg. He said the metro would be led by the ANC. ANC members said the remark pointed to Zille, who they said was known for driving the vintage vehicle.

Lesufi urged supporters to stay focused ahead of the local government elections on 4 November. He said the ANC had reached more people than any other party in its door-to-door work. He also said Johannesburg remains the home of the ANC.

He said opposition parties were telling people not to vote for small parties because they would not bring democracy. Lesufi called that a sign of panic. He said the ANC would surprise its enemies and come out victorious.

Key facts

Who
Panyaza Lesufi (Gauteng Premier); Helen Zille (DA Johannesburg mayoral candidate); Paul Mashatile (ANC deputy president); Andile Lungisa (mayoral bid referenced in a related article link)
What
On Wednesday, during an ANC door-to-door campaign in Alexandra, Lesufi repeatedly referred to an "old Ford Cortina" without naming the DA or Zille, and urged supporters to stay focused ahead of the 4 November local government elections. The article says ANC members identified the remark as a reference to Zille.
When
28 October 2026
Where
Alexandra, Johannesburg, Gauteng
Status
Reported

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