`THE Premier of Gauteng Panyaza Lesufi has been ‘read the riot act’
This follows the Presidential visit of President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa and his cabinet, meeting with Gauteng provincial Government, in Braamfontein, today.
As part of the requirements outlined in the District Development Model, the President will visit with leadership of all nine provinces, all in an effort to improve service delivery.
The Joburg oversight visit, is to see in person challenges faced by the City, that is the economical hub of the country and the continent.
Unfortunately, that shine and gold is slowly losing value and Pres Ramaphosa wants answers from those responsible.
Constant water challenges, crime and financial mismanagement, dilapidated buildings and potholes, are some of the concerns raised by the President, that called for a private lockdown meeting with Lesufi and team.
If these challenges are not addressed, it will be a step back from what has already been achieved, says Ramaphosa.
“If we do not move with speed to address the critical challenges identified in the State of the Province Address, we risk undermining the progress we have made.
“There are recurring problems across Gauteng. Some of these include governance failures, financial mismanagement, crumbling infrastructure, crime and lawlessness, and unreliable service delivery.
“Our greatest challenges in Gauteng and across the country are unemployment and poverty,” he warned.
“These are the challenges we all must face head-on. Gauteng’s unique position in the national landscape is both an opportunity and a challenge.”
The President pointed out that the Gauteng meeting was taking place during Human Rights Month, and stressed the rights to water, sanitation, healthcare, housing and education.
“It is our duty to ensure that these rights are not just enshrined in our Constitution but are actively realised through tangible and impactful service delivery. People should not only be aware of their right to these services but should actively experience them in their daily lives.
We therefore have to continue to harness the power of collaboration to overcome obstacles and implement sustainable solutions that will uplift our communities.
“Through unity and action, we must create a future where the rights of all South Africans are upheld, and where every citizen can access the quality services they rightfully deserve.
The District Development Model, which we introduced in the previous administration, remains our guiding framework for cooperative governance and service delivery,” he said.
The President welcomed the province’s plan to build on the “success” of the South Africa Investment Conference and host the inaugural Gauteng Investment Conference in April, as well as plans to strengthen township economic development, agro-processing, and small, medium-sized and microenterprise development.
“We eagerly anticipate the forthcoming presentation from the province, which will provide valuable insights into the key priorities, challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Let us seize this moment with urgency and determination, ensuring that every commitment made here today is followed by decisive action,” Ramaphosa said.
Image GCIS (President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa, addressing Gauteng Province leadership in Braamfontein, today).
