E-Toll is now in the past.
This was the assurance from Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, during his State of the Province Address (SOPA) under a multi-party government, in Katlehong on Thursday night, at Change Bible Church.
The Premier said key deliverables such as commitment to eliminate the e-tolling system had come to fruition.
He also emphasised the end of loadshedding.
On investments, Lesufi, pointed out the province has secured:
- Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) — R6 billion over the next four years to position the OR Tambo International Airport as a gateway for regional economic development;
- Vodacom — R3 billion in ICT network infrastructure in Gauteng to advance digital connectivity across the economy;
- Heineken Beverages — R3 billion over the next three years into a malting plant, mega plant (sorting and packaging), as well as Enterprise and Supplier Development; and
- Transnet Pipelines — R800 million over the next four years for the construction of the PL6 Pipeline, extending from Jameson Park in Heidelberg to OR Tambo International Airport, to address the anticipated Jet Fuel shortages by 2028.
He also indicated that local and international banks will be partnering with the province to establish a State bank.
“Last time when we met like this, we committed to establishing a state bank and pharmaceutical company. We are pleased to report that we have since been approached by various banks, local and international, who want to partner with us to realise our dream of a provincial state bank as a vehicle to change the look and feel of the Gauteng townships.
More details in this regard will come to light as and when developments unfold.”
On crime, he said measures are being put in place to deal with crime from the City to townships, and the added 10 000 police, additional choppers, etc.
“However, with crime ever-present in the metro, these and other growth development aims would not be without disruption unless the provincial unity government (GPU) worked to combat the scourge,” said the Premier.
“We will partner with the private sector to bring new innovative solutions to the fore to execute high-impact job creation initiatives across priority sectors and programmes.
He said that crime and corruption remained a blight on society, spurring the need to develop the necessary mechanisms to combat it.
“We can embark on ambitious programmes to create jobs and fight unemployment, but if we do not defeat the scourge of crime, all these will remain a pipedream.
“It is for this reason that fighting crime is our main priority and commands our urgent attention as the provincial government.
“We’re working hard to arrest the proliferation of land invasion and illegal mining, to stamp out drug dealing and drug use, to eliminate the culture of hired killings and eradicate the possession of illegal firearms.”
He outlined that some of the province’s energy and electricity infrastructure shortcomings had received attention.
“We have installed 485 transformers across Ekurhuleni, the Vaal, Johannesburg, the Westrand and Tshwane.
“Twenty-eight of our health facilities, including clinics, hospitals, community health care centres and five schools, have an alternative energy supply.
“Our commitment to securing and enhancing Gauteng’s energy infrastructure remains steadfast, aiming to safeguard our essential services and communities from the impacts of load shedding.
“We recognise that the state’s primary aim is to create conducive conditions for economic investment, growth and development as a prerequisite for employment creation.”
He emphasised rife highjacking and emphatically declared protecting women and children from gender-based violence, kidnappers, and human traffickers.
“We’ll continue implementing the six pillars of the National Strategic Plan on GBV. We have invited municipalities and private security firms to join our law enforcement agencies and provincial government in this epic battle for the soul of our province.
“We’re confident that victory is certain, and law-abiding residents will reclaim their peaceful existence.
“This GPU has been charged with driving the transformation agenda while igniting our economic growth to lift the people of our province from poverty and destitution.”
He said eight of the 11 political GPU parties supported the province’s 2024/25 financial year budget, while one party abstained and two parties opposed it.
To conclude his address the Premier sent a message of thank you, to 2024 Olympians in France, the relay team that won a sliver for the country, who were in attendance, and promised to inculcate sport on Wednesdays with millions budgeted for by the provincial Government.
The famous face Akani Simbine was not present.
Image (GP Premier Panyaza Lesufi).
