By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi will deliver the State of the Province Address (Sopa) on Monday, 19 February at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg.
Lesufi will deliver his final State of the Province Address (SOPA) for the sixth Gauteng administration.
SOPAs are usually an opportunity for reflection on the previous year and goals for the coming year. However, in 2024 South Africa goes to the polls, which means new administrations will come into effect after the election.
During his maiden address in 2023, the premier highlighted the issue of fighting crime as the provincial government’s apex priority.
This led to the establishment of crime prevention wardens project, which has been mired in controversy for most of the year.
Opposition parties have accused Lesufi of using the crime wardens as an election stunt.
Lesufi though is adamant that the province many refer to as the “engine room of South Africa” is on a services industry growth path through which employment opportunities will be created.
But youth unemployment remains a major concern. Some 61% of 15- to 24-year-olds are without jobs and 71% of those are no longer trying to find work.
The province’s most populous city, Johannesburg, is functionally bankrupt and cannot afford to fix its pothole-riddled roads.
The thorny issue of e-tolls is also set to feature once again, with the province’s Finance MEC Jacob Mamabolo who said last week that the premier is set to make an announcement on the future of the unpopular user-pay system.
ActionSA’s Gauteng provincial chairperson, Funzi Ngobeni, says residents are still waiting for the promises Lesufi made last year to be fulfilled.
“The residents of Gauteng shall not be swayed by Premier Lesufi false proclamation of his progress at the upcoming State of the Province Address. Over the past few months, instead of outlying a vision that will grow the Gauteng economy, attract investments and create sustainable jobs, Premier Lesufi has been announcing employment schemes aimed at luring people to give the ANC one more chance. From his speech we can anticipate him to provide a fictional sense of advancement when in reality our province has a number of challenges such as load shedding, increased crime and unemployment.”
DA’s Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga says it has been difficult for the DA to support Lesufi’s unrealistic plans for Gauteng.
“We will hear more politicking towards the elections and him using the platform to campaign. Where we will be told about Tinswalo again where it doesn’t really mean much to the everyday person who is still waiting for electricity and water uninterrupted and safety and security that will be given and that there will be better infrastructure that will be given across the Metros and municipalities in Gauteng.”
Lesufi is expected to reflect on the progress made by the Gauteng Provincial Government in delivering on the commitments made to the people of Gauteng in the previous years.