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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng condemns the Gauteng Provincial Government’s negligence, and duplicitous behaviour in leaving tenants of Township Industrial Parks high and dry.

This follows oversight visits by the DA Gauteng Premier Candidate, Solly Msimanga MPL, and Nicola du Plessis MPL the DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Economic Development.

Our oversight visit revealed an abandoned initiative, as with so many others like it across the province. The DA has been placating the provincial government since 2015 regarding these industrial parks – but they continue to ignore the pleas of residents in Johannesburg.

We have heard horror stories of how these industrial parks have been turned into havens for mafia-like control, and deep-rooted corruption. Allegations of, Fires, for example, being set and the department claiming from insurance companies – but no work or repairs being done. Further, we were met with incomplete upgrade jobs that were supposedly worth R12 million, tenants who had been made additional promises – without follow through, and as one has come to expect – dilapidated infrastructure.

While entrepreneurs in industrial parks across the province try to make a living, increase employment opportunities and contribute to Gauteng’s economic growth, the provincial government is nowhere to be found. While we have come to expect them to be nowhere, we surely did not expect them to actively stand in the way of development and job creation.

Government informed tenants that a term of ten years of fully paid rents, would result in ownership being transferred to them. That has not happened.

The purpose of these government interventions was to ensure that small business owners in disadvantaged areas have a chance to change their lives. At this stage, however, it seems that tenants would be better off without government intervention.

Panyaza and his cronies are not even shadows of their promises, they exist only as impediments to growth.

Issued by Solly Msimanga MPL - DA Gauteng Premier Candidate