By Simon Nare
Gauteng has identified several areas it wants the national government to help with.
Members of the provincial government met their national counterparts, headed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, on Thursday.
They said the province needed more support from law enforcement agencies to respond to threats from taxi violence, illegal mining and undocumented foreign nationals.
The province also wants help with disaster preparedness, response and recovery in areas affected by sinkholes.
Sinkholes are prevalent in Gauteng because a large portion of the province is situated on dolomite rock. This is aggravated by past mining activities that have altered groundwater levels.
The Presidency said in a statement following the meeting that the provincial government identified other strategic areas for national-provincial cooperation that could stimulate economic development in Gauteng.
These included investment in bulk infrastructure and collaboration in enhancing investment in high-tech manufacturing for the green economy.
Mining services, biotech, digital sectors and energy generation were also listed.
Ramaphosa urged the province to accelerate resolving recurring problems across the Gauteng government. They include governance failures, financial mismanagement, crumbling infrastructure, crime and lawlessness, and unreliable service delivery.
Discussions also addressed broader national challenges of unemployment and poverty, and the provision of water in some areas in the province.
Ramaphosa and his executives have been visiting the provinces to engage with provincial leaders and enhance cooperation between the three spheres of government. They are also aimed at ensuring better alignment of provincial priorities with the priorities of the Government of National Unity.
Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi welcomed the engagement, saying the provincial government would continue to work closely with the national government on governance, and social and economic development.
He identified the expansion of special economic zones and critical infrastructure refurbishments as vital elements for stimulating economic growth and sustainable service delivery in the province.
Ramaphosa commended the province’s focus on the areas of cooperation between the national and provincial governments. He also outlined the importance of balancing development ambitions with budgetary realities.
“Furthermore, the president encouraged the province to work closely with the private sector in ensuring innovative ways of funding key infrastructure projects, including working with metros in providing incentives to crowd in private sector participation,” The Presidency said.
This is the fourth meeting the president has had with provinces.
He has previously visited Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
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