A Cautious Nod: Lesufi's Gauteng on the Right Track, But Watch Your Step

Premier Panyaza Lesufi's recent State of the Province address was a mixed bag of ambitious promises and concerning strategies. While some initiatives offer a glimmer of hope for Gauteng's future, others warrant a cautious pause and critical evaluation.  

The Premier's commitment to tackling the "Gauteng 13" challenges, from water scarcity to rampant crime, is commendable. However, the strategies proposed are not without their flaws. For instance, the plan to address the water crisis by relying on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, while promising in the long term, seems like a gamble considering the project's history of delays and potential cost overruns. To date, the project has experienced numerous setbacks, including funding shortages and contractual disputes, which have led to significant delays and increased costs. Furthermore, the aggressive approach to informal settlements, focusing on demolitions and evictions, risks further marginalizing vulnerable communities without offering viable alternatives. This heavy-handed approach fails to address the root causes of informal settlements, such as land scarcity, affordability, and lack of adequate housing options, and could potentially lead to increased homelessness and social unrest.  

Instead of resorting to demolitions and evictions, the government should prioritize a more comprehensive and humane approach to informal settlements. This could involve:

• Increasing the supply of affordable housing: The government should invest in the construction of more affordable housing units, both in urban and peri-urban areas, to cater to the needs of low-income households.  
• Regularizing existing informal settlements: Where feasible, the government should consider regularizing existing informal settlements, providing residents with secure tenure and access to basic services.  
• Improving land use planning and management: The government should improve land use planning and management to prevent further sprawl of informal settlements and ensure that land is used in a sustainable and equitable manner.  

On the other hand, the Premier's focus on infrastructure development, particularly the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) and the Gautrain expansion, offers a beacon of hope for economic growth and job creation. These initiatives, if implemented effectively, have the potential to transform Gauteng's economic landscape and provide much-needed opportunities for its residents. The expansion of TASEZ, with its projected investment of R6.1 billion and creation of over 6,000 jobs, is a testament to the potential of public-private partnerships in driving economic development. Similarly, the Gautrain expansion, with a planned investment of R120 billion, promises to improve connectivity and stimulate economic activity across the province. This expansion will connect key areas such as Soweto, Mamelodi, Atteridgeville, Lanseria, and Springs, opening up new opportunities for employment, education, and leisure.  

However, the devil is in the details. The success of these projects hinges on efficient execution, transparency, and accountability. The Premier's emphasis on partnerships and collaboration is encouraging, but it needs to be translated into concrete action, ensuring that all stakeholders are genuinely committed to the province's development. For instance, the involvement of private sector companies in adopting traffic lights is a welcome initiative, but it requires clear guidelines and accountability mechanisms to ensure that these partnerships are mutually beneficial and sustainable.  

Furthermore, the government needs to address the issue of corruption and mismanagement that has plagued many infrastructure projects in the past. The Premier's commitment to lifestyle audits and strengthening governance structures is a step in the right direction, but it needs to be accompanied by a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and a culture of accountability at all levels of government.  

The Premier's commitment to youth empowerment through skills development and education is also noteworthy. Initiatives like the schools of specialization and the multi-certification program offer a pathway for young people to acquire the skills needed to thrive in the modern economy. However, these programs need to be aligned with the evolving demands of the job market and ensure equitable access for all young people, regardless of their background. The success of these programs will depend on the quality of training, the availability of resources, and the government's ability to create an environment conducive to youth employment and entrepreneurship.  

In addition to skills development, the government needs to address the broader challenges facing young people, such as unemployment, poverty, and inequality. The Premier's focus on job creation and economic growth is essential, but it needs to be accompanied by targeted interventions to address the specific needs of young people. This could involve:

• Providing financial and mentorship support for young entrepreneurs: The government should provide financial and mentorship support to young entrepreneurs to help them start     and grow their businesses.  
• Expanding access to quality education and training: The government should continue to invest in education and training to equip young people with the skills needed for the jobs of the future.      
• Creating opportunities for youth participation and leadership: The government should create opportunities for youth participation and leadership in decision-making processes that affect their lives.      

In conclusion, Premier Lesufi's vision for Gauteng is ambitious and promising in many respects. However, it is crucial to approach certain strategies with caution, ensuring that they are not just politically expedient but genuinely beneficial to the province and its people. The road ahead is long and challenging, but with careful planning, effective implementation, and a commitment to collaboration, Gauteng can overcome its challenges and build a brighter future for all its residents. This requires active participation from all stakeholders, including citizens, civil society organizations, and the private sector, to hold the government accountable and ensure that the promises made in the State of the Province address are translated into tangible improvements in the lives of the people of Gauteng.

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Lindani Zungu is the founder and leader of Voices of Mzansi. 

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