Opinion piece by Alderman Peter Teixeira, Executive Mayor: Midvaal Local Municipality
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi will deliver his second State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Monday 19 February 2024. In typical ANC style, we can expect a rose-tinted view of the state of Gauteng, with promises to get Gauteng back on track and rhetoric highlighting the ANC’s struggle credentials during apartheid. I am certain he will even sprinkle in a few quotes from past struggle leaders as a final attempt to justify their inaction and failures.
We hope his SOPA will not mimic President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address, where he distanced himself from his party’s role in creating the crisis facing South Africa. It has been at least two years since Premier Lesufi took office, and he has held various positions in public administration. He has been a part of the government and therefore cannot distance himself from its shortcomings.
I implore Premier Lesufi to provide tangible solutions to reestablish Gauteng as the economic capital of South Africa by creating an environment that is conducive to investment. The Premier must outline concrete plans for improving infrastructure, tackling corruption, and restoring good governance to ensure excellent service delivery across departments and municipalities.
Dealing with the energy crisis
Analysts and experts can try to quantify the catastrophic impact and losses caused by load shedding, but the real damage remains immeasurable. Factories and businesses shutting down, expansions put on hold, significant job losses, loss of investor confidence, and the direct correlation with the stagnant growth of our economy paint a grim picture. Despite promises that load-shedding will soon be a thing of the past, it does not appear that there will be any end to load-shedding any time soon. It has gotten worse over its 17-year existence.
In the first SOPA, Premier Lesufi announced the allocation of R1.2 billion to resolve the energy crisis in the province. This includes the construction of an 800-megawatt solar farm in Merafong and subsequent installation of solar panels in government hospitals, clinics, and schools. These projects need to be fast-tracked. We require increased support from local governments to reduce reliance on Eskom and explore alternative energy sources.
Crime
Crime remains a pressing issue in Gauteng, with statistics showing higher rates compared to other provinces. The crime statistics for the 2023/2024 third quarter showed an increase in contact crime, sexual offenses, rape, carjacking, robbery at residential property, robbery at non-residential property, robbery of cash in transit, and kidnapping.
It is clear that criminals are running our towns, just this month it was reported that residents of Mamelodi in Tshwane say gangsters have been controlling access to their local water reservoir in exchange for money. Businesses established in townships are forced to pay gangs and criminals protection fees or risk their businesses getting attacked.
Premier Lesufi must present a comprehensive plan to protect Gauteng residents from criminal elements. Merely hiring inadequately trained personnel such as “amapanyaza” is simply inefficient.
Premier Lesufi can take a cue from Midvaal Municipality, since 2018, we have implemented advanced technology in our rural areas by deploying thermal heat drones to effectively combat stock theft and curb farm murders. The municipality has installed CCTV with number plate recognition software, which has assisted in the recovery of stolen vehicles and the detection of cars used during criminal activities.
The municipality also has taken several measures, including the establishment of Community Policing Forum (CPF) groups throughout the municipality. We have equipped all CPFs and Neighbourhood Watches with essential tools such as two-way radios, torches, and reflective jackets to ensure visibility during patrols.
Gauteng requires a robust policing strategy with social empowerment initiatives. Stakeholders from across civil society must collaborate to combat social ills contributing to crime and protect vulnerable groups such as women, children, and people with disabilities.
Improving Service Delivery
As the Mayor of one of the only two DA-governed municipalities in Gauteng, I often find myself envious of my counterparts in the Western Cape, who benefit from the support of a functional provincial government. As local public representatives, serving as the first point of contact for our residents, we frequently bear the brunt of blame for issues that are beyond our competency.
Despite our commitment to good governance and excellent service delivery, Midvaal does not exist in isolation. We operate within the framework of a province and therefore depend on a functional provincial government to promptly address the concerns and challenges faced by our residents.
We require the involvement of our provincial government to address the backlog in housing allocation within our areas. Our provincial roads are frequently in a state of disrepair, while the provincial government moves at a snail’s pace to address even the simplest of potholes. Our residents complain about the lack of adequate healthcare facilities, including clinics and hospitals.
The Premier and his MECs often evade accountability for our communities, as they are conveniently situated far from residents. They appear only during the campaign trail to criticise local government, despite their failure to provide the necessary support.
Gauteng is abounded with potential; people move from across the country coming to our province seeking opportunities. With enough political will, clear policy changes, and dedication we can transform Gauteng into the beacon of hope for all our people.
