Premier Panyaza Lesufi is feeling let down because opposition parties rejected his 2024 State of the Province (SOPA) speech, calling it just talk without real results.
During Thursday’s debate, opposition parties criticized Lesufi for not keeping his past promises to make life better for people in Gauteng.
They pointed out problems like youth unemployment, the failure to deliver e-panic buttons, power cuts, and crime, despite government efforts like AmaPanyaza.
In response, Premier Lesufi admitted there are challenges in leadership and acknowledged the criticism from the opposition.
He defended the SOPA, saying the opposition didn’t have good arguments or alternative ideas for boosting the province’s economy.
“The debate showed that other parties didn’t understand our State of the Province Address. Their arguments were weak, and they didn’t offer any solutions for our province’s economic growth,” said Lesufi.
Lesufi denied taking undue credit for investments, especially regarding Ford’s expansion plans.
He explained that the Tshwane Economic Zone was set up by the GPG with national government support to attract investments like Ford’s.
The government invested R3.2 billion in the project, creating 3,291 jobs, with most from nearby townships, and a significant number filled by women and youth.
“We needed to invest R3.2 billion to make the economic zone where Ford wants to expand possible. This investment shows our commitment,” Lesufi clarified.
He clarified that Ford requested a new railway line between Silverton and Gqeberha for their expansion plans, and the provincial government agreed. Construction will start around 2025.
Premier Lesufi also highlighted the government’s efforts to tackle illegal mining, resulting in many arrests and recovered stolen vehicles, thanks to the president’s decisive response and the army’s help.
“We arrested 9224 illegal miners and recovered 1532 stolen vehicles. This shows our impact,” he said.
Regarding healthcare, Lesufi explained the acquisition of 18 private hospitals to improve healthcare capacity in the province. He highlighted three operational hospitals, including Zamokuhle Private Hospital in Tembisa, Solomon Morewa in Selby, and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital.
“We aren’t just talking; we’re taking action. Workers saved money and partnered with us to build hospitals, changing how we fund projects,” Lesufi praised the collaboration with workers who contributed resources toward improving healthcare infrastructure.
By Thembisa Shologu
