Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has outlined a bold plan to address the province’s most pressing challenges during his State of the Province Address (SOPA) held at the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) on Monday evening.
He lists thirteen problems facing the province.
The Premier has emphasised the need for urgent action to resolve issues around water shortages, cable theft, non-functional traffic lights, potholes, and crime.
Lesufi stresses the need for government, the private sector and communities to work together to address these challenges. “We must be prepared to adapt and change as circumstances require,” he says.
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Water crisis
Lesufi apologises to residents struggling with water shortages, calling the situation “unacceptable.” He attributes the problem to power failures at key pumping stations and ageing infrastructure.
He states that to tackle the issue, City Power and Eskom have assumed control of operations at the Eikenhof and Emfuleni pumping stations. “Repairs to leaks and pipelines are in progress, and a war room has been set up with municipalities to oversee the water supply.”
The province is also preparing for the completion of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project in 2028, which will require significant upgrades to municipal infrastructure.
Crackdown on cable theft, vandalism
Gauteng has intensified efforts to combat cable theft and vandalism, which have severely disrupted power and infrastructure. Premier Lesufi announces that 1 079 scrap yards and 593 illegal spare shops have been shut down, leading to 716 arrests.
He adds that a 24-hour response team and tech logs are being deployed to protect infrastructure, supported by a joint reaction unit involving law enforcement and the private sector.
Non-functional traffic lights
Lesufi says more than 400 traffic lights in the province need immediate replacement. He explains that a budget has been allocated for repairs, with private companies adopting some traffic lights. An intelligent, tamper-proof traffic system is also in development to ensure long-term solutions.
Potholes
Poor road conditions are a major concern for Gauteng’s economy, he notes and says that key roads such as the Golden Highway and Malibongwe Drive are being upgraded, while a 72-hour pothole repair commitment has been introduced. “The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has mapped all the potholes in the province and repairs are underway.”
Crime and lawlessness
Lesufi cites partnerships with private security companies and the SAPS, as well as initiatives such as the use of wardens, CCTV cameras and panic buttons, as contributing to the reduction in serious crime.
He says crime remains a top priority, with 442 kingpins profiled for serious crimes such as cash-in-transit heists, kidnappings, and hijackings. “Fifty of these individuals have already been arrested and surveillance is ongoing.”
Phase II of SEZ
Lesufi has signalled that Phase Two of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) will go ahead soon. He says Phase Two, which is set to start next month, will expand and attract investments of R6.1 billion in private sector investment. R3.5 billion will come from government partnerships.
The government has already transferred R3.9 billion to the SEZ’s bank account. The project is expected to create 6 150 new jobs.
Lesufi announces his grand plan for the State of the Province Address in response to those who are pessimistic and gloomy about the future of Gauteng Province.
