By Thapelo Molefe
Nearly all senior officials in the Gauteng government have complied with financial disclosures, according to premier Panyaza Lesufi.
“To achieve 99.4% in terms of financial disclosures is a massive achievement,” he told reporters on Thursday while giving an update on the progress of priority programmes in the province.
“By the end of next month, it will mark a year since the establishment of the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU),” Lesufi noted.
“We have prioritised growing the provincial economy, fighting crime and strengthening the capacity of the state.”
He said that of the two heads of department recently audited, one passed while the other was undergoing further scrutiny.
“Our lifestyle audits are not done by us; they’re done by the SIU, (Special Investigating Unit),” Lesufi clarified.
Three MECs were still to complete lifestyle audits, having been recently appointed.
“As leaders, we must not say our officials must go through this lifestyle audit and ourselves don’t.”
The premier announced the second leg of the Nasi iSpani’s programme, with a launch scheduled for June. The iCrush no’Lova programme was aimed at providing job training and placement for unemployed youth.
“This has been a massive programme that has assisted us to create opportunities to almost 60,000 unemployed people,” Lesufi stated.
The new phase would target an additional 40,000 young people not in education, employment or training. It includes plans to recruit 32,000 assistant teachers.
Addressing one of Gauteng’s most pressing complaints, Lesufi said the province had set aside R1.5 billion for immediate road repairs and maintenance.
He revealed that only 35% of the province’s 5400km road network was in good condition.
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research has been appointed to map potholes and assess the state of the roads.
The premier acknowledged infrastructure challenges due to burst pipes and disputes between Rand Water and municipalities like Emfuleni, but asserted that province was no longer facing a systemic water shortage.
“We don’t have a problem with water… only infrastructure challenges,” he said.
He also praised Gauteng High Court Judge President Dunstan Mlambo’s new directive promoting mediation over litigation.
“We welcome the decision… Up to 85% of civil matters are settled on the trial day. Mediation will reduce delays and save public money,” Lesufi said.
The premier also spoke about the pending trade deal with China’s Hunan Province.
“This is a game-changer for our small businesses,” he said. Products like rooibos tea, biltong and wine will soon be exported to a Chinese market of 66 million people.
In closing, Lesufi celebrated Gauteng’s sporting heroes, including Akani Simbine and the victorious Amajita under-20 team.
“We are proud of our champions,” he said.
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