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The South African Communist Party (SACP) in Gauteng commends and welcomes the State of the Province Address (SOPA) delivered by Premier Panyaza Lesufi on the night of Monday 19 February 2024, which robustly outlined the outcomes of commitments made in 2023 to uplift the impoverished, and the working class in our province.

Over the last five years, the ANC-led Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) has been hard at work ensuring that the people of the province have access to improved service delivery, employment opportunities, housing, health, and education.

“We appreciate Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s speech and commend him for giving a full account of the commitments made before, including progress, and outlining the next course of action to implement several major projects. We believe this is an honest, frank and very strategic way forward,” said SACP Gauteng Provincial Secretary Jacob Mamabolo.

“The Premier’s SOPA has proved beyond any reasonable doubt that Gauteng has refocused its service delivery efforts into the townships and informal settlements. We think this will go a long way in addressing the legacies of colonialism and apartheid in our province.”

Economy

The SACP in Gauteng fully agrees with Premier Lesufi's assessment indicating that despite the formidable challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, Gauteng’s economy has exhibited remarkable resilience.

Henceforth, the province has made significant strides in job creation, with an increase of 96,300 jobs, including 31,300 jobs in the last 90 days. 

We also note the significant progress made in terms of investments in Gauteng. The recent investment conference secured R1.14 trillion worth of investment commitments across various economic sectors, with R22 billion allocated for Gauteng's development.

In addressing the needs of townships, informal settlements, and hostels communities, Premier Lesufi also announced plans to embark on an unprecedented program dubbed "iCrush le Lova," aimed at training over 40,000 unemployed township residents as artisans, bricklayers, electricians, and plumbers.

Regarding the establishment of a provincial developmental state bank, we welcome the President's proclamation of the South African Post Bank Amendment Act, which paves the way for its creation. Gauteng stands ready to be at the forefront of transactions with this bank.

We further applaud the Premier’s announcement that the Gauteng Provincial Government remains committed to corridor-focused economic development through the establishment of Special Economic Zones and the revitalisation of industrial parks. Projects such as the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) are already operational, and preparations are underway for the Vaal Special Economic Zone, which will prioritise sustainable economic practices.

Fight against crime

The Crime Prevention Wardens flagship project stands as one of the most successful initiatives in the fight against crime in Gauteng. Twelve months ago, nearly 7,000 individuals in the province faced unemployment and despair. The Premier proudly announced that over 7,000 young people are gainfully and permanently employed as wardens. Moreover, a year ago, Gauteng lacked adequate CCTV camera coverage to combat crime.

Since taking office in 2022, the Premier’s administration committed to bolstering the budget of the Department of Community Safety from over R750 million to R2.7 billion within a year.

Through the GBVF (Gender-Based Violence and Femicide) brigades program, Gauteng has also conducted door-to-door awareness campaigns, reaching nearly 500,000 households, addressing the pressing issue of gender-based violence and femicide in our communities.

Energy

Addressing the energy crisis, the Premier has announced plans to add 100 megawatts of electricity to the grid through City Power facilities in Johnware and Durban Street, utilising Open Cycle Gas Turbine technology.

This additional capacity will be available from April 1, 2024, with plans to further expand to 300 megawatts in the upcoming financial year.

Through collaborative efforts with Eskom and City Power, Gauteng has already installed and activated 333 transformers, benefiting over 32,000 township households.

E-Tolls

The SACP in Gauteng further welcomes Premier Lesufi's announcement to permanently end the E-Tolls by 31 March 2024. This decision comes after a constructive meeting held in January between the Gauteng Provincial Government and the Ministers of Finance and Transport.

As we move forward, the SACP in Gauteng remains committed to advancing the interests of the poor and building a more equal and prosperous province for all.

Issued by the SACP Gauteng Province