Ramaphosa Reprimands Panyaza Lesufi Over Ekurhuleni Mayor’s Protocol Breach in Viral Video

A video of President Cyril Ramaphosa seemingly reprimanding Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi during an African National Congress (ANC) door-to-door campaign has gone viral. The clip, recorded during a campaign in Ekurhuleni, shows Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza speaking while Ramaphosa can be heard in the background.

His remarks appear to refer to Xhakaza speaking after the president, with Ramaphosa instructing Lesufi to ensure that the mayor does not speak after him. The exchange has sparked significant conversation on social media, with users debating the importance of protocol.

Man said ‘akuna protocol la’ [there is no protocol here]. Career done. You’ll never hear of him ever again.

Xhakaza was not giving a speech guys. He was just thanking people to listen to the president. Cyril is no longer there only the body.

Do we still have a president? Even their mayor in Ekurhuleni knows that.

He was taking chances that one. After the President no one must deliver the speech.

But it’s true. The last speech is made by the president. Protocol must be observed.

The exchange comes as the ANC intensifies its campaign ahead of the local government elections scheduled for 4 November 2026. Previously, Briefly News reported that Ekurhuleni Mayor Dr Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has denied reports linking him to high-profile deaths.