By Akani Nkuna
About one in three service-delivery complaints logged by Gauteng residents went unresolved in the 2025/26 financial year, even as the Office of the Premier achieved 85% of its annual performance targets and spent 99% of its budget.
A total of 66,926 complaints were recorded through the Gauteng-wide service delivery response system during the year, with 66% resolved, according to the Office of the Premier’s annual report, tabled in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.
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Electricity outages, blocked sewer systems, non-functioning streetlights, road infrastructure and potholes were among the largest categories of complaints recorded, alongside complaints relating to food gardens.
The Gauteng Provincial Government said the system was intended to do more than simply record residents’ grievances.
“This system is important not only as a complaints mechanism, but as a tool for government to identify recurring service delivery failures, hold institutions accountable and improve the way government responds to residents.”
The figures come as Gauteng continues to grapple with infrastructure backlogs and service-delivery failures across the province.
Despite the unresolved complaints, the Office of the Premier reported achieving 52 of its 61 reported performance indicators, equivalent to 85%, while spending 99% of its allocated budget during the financial year.
“The Office of the Premier also strengthened its intervention in distressed infrastructure projects, recognising that many delays are caused by challenges that cut across departments, municipalities, implementing agents and other institutions,” the premier’s office said.
It said edicated technical and steering committees for distressed infrastructdedicatedects were established in August 2025 to address problems including land-use approvals, municipal processes, funding and cash-flow constraints.
The office said four distressed projects were completed and received occupancy certificates during the year, while another three improved sufficiently to be removed from the distressed-project list and placed on a watch list.
The annual report also highlighted governance and anti-corruption measures within the Premier’s Office.
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All 15 criminal cases identified during the year were reported to law-enforcement agencies for further investigation and prosecution, while lifestyle audits conducted on 41 officials resulted in the recovery of R4.74 million.
The recovered amount represented 48% of the R9.83 million identified as having been lost, according to the statement.
“These interventions form part of the province’s broader efforts to strengthen accountability, protect public resources and ensure that officials who act improperly face appropriate consequences.”
The office also reported exceeding its procurement targets for several designated groups.
Procurement spending involving black people reached 89.99% against an 80% target, while spending involving women reached 46.38% against a 40% target. Youth accounted for 34.98% against a 30% target, while procurement directed towards people with disabilities reached 8% against a 7% target.
