By Johnathan Paoli
Acting Gauteng Premier Lebogang Maile has assured residents that the province is fully prepared to handle any emergency cases this festive season.
He also unveiled a comprehensive plan to enhance safety, readiness, and efficient service delivery during this period.
Maile briefed the media in Johannesburg on Sunday about the outcomes of the Executive Council meeting, highlighting key measures in road safety, disaster preparedness, education, health, and social development.
“The meeting discussed various issues concerning the work of government, including law enforcement plan, the state of disaster preparedness of the province, and an update on learner admission amongst other matters,” Maile said.
With road safety a major concern during the holiday period, Maile announced the launch of an Integrated Festive Season Law Enforcement Plan.
Law enforcement agencies will maintain high visibility on critical routes and conduct operations in high-crime areas, focusing on enforcing traffic laws, prosecuting offenders, and targeting hotspots through static-driven operations.
The initiative responds to alarming statistics from the 2023/24 festive season, which saw 1,427 fatalities in Gauteng, with pedestrians accounting for 40.9%.
The government has pledged to intensify road safety awareness campaigns to curb these numbers.
Maile also highlighted the province’s disaster preparedness, emphasizing coordinated plans to address unforeseen events during the summer.
Gauteng is bracing for potential natural and man-made hazards, with a robust response mechanism in place.
In education, Maile confirmed that the department has successfully placed 100% of the 344,890 applicants for the 2025 academic year, including 165,785 Grade 1 learners and 179,105 Grade 8 learners.
This milestone ensures all learners are ready for the new school year, with placements finalized ahead of schedule.
On financial management, the province reported significant progress in paying service providers promptly.
By November 2024, 96% of invoices from township suppliers were paid within 30 days, and compliance for payments within 15 days improved from 43% to 77%.
Four departments achieved 100% compliance, while three others surpassed 90%.
To meet the increased demand for healthcare during the festive season, the Health department has readied a fleet of over 400 operational emergency vehicles and ensured all 38 community health centers offering 24-hour services remain functional.
These measures aim to improve response times and provide adequate care throughout the holiday period.
The Social Development department has introduced a structured festive season program for children, running from December 17 to January 16.
This initiative aims to empower children with information to deter negative behaviors and provide family support during crises.
Mechanisms have been established to address child exploitation and trafficking, with after-hours support systems strengthened.
Maile also said the Executive Council’s plans reflect a multi-faceted approach to ensuring a safe and productive festive season.
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