By Johnathan Paoli
Gauteng’s executive council has met to discuss progress on healthcare, infrastructure projects, social development, education and public safety, with the National Health Insurance a top agenda item.
Gauteng spokesperson Vuyo Mhaga said that the state of healthcare infrastructure was discussed extensively.
Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi presented an update on the NHI, and a provincial assessment of healthcare facilities revealed an urgent need for structural repairs and upgrades.
To spearhead these efforts, a cabinet subcommittee chaired by Premier Panyaza Lesufi, alongside MECs Lebogang Maile, Jacob Mamabolo and Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko would oversee the implementation of these initiatives.
Wednesday meeting touched on various issues, including the Public Service Commission clearing Lesiba Malotana’s appointment as of the provincial health department.
Mhaga said it lauded the social development department’s significant progress in disbursing funds to mon-profit organisations.
Since October, 95% of business plans submitted by the province’s 1774 NPOs have been processed. Over 1500 agreements have already been translated into payments, ensuring programmes aligned with provincial mandates are supported.
Mhaga said that on foodborne illnesses, the council endorsed stringent measures to regulate food sales in schools and communities.
He said the registration process for vendors was being streamlined to avoid excessive bureaucracy. And, by-laws enforcing food safety compliance were being adopted across Gauteng municipalities, ensuring public health remained a priority.
They also discussed the R36 million Farmyard Township Retail Project, which has come under scrutiny for alleged financial mismanagement, with agriculture MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa announcing an internal investigation into the programme’s costing.
The Special Investigating Unit has been requested to look into the matter. The project was designed to support small-scale entrepreneurs,
Meanwhile, plans for the High-Speed Rail Link connecting Gauteng and Limpopo were advancing, with both provinces collaborating on a feasibility study.
A joint panel chaired by the premiers of Gauteng and Limpopo would oversee the project, which aimed to enhance inter-provincial connectivity.
Mhaga said Gauteng planned to submit a bankable proposal to the national government, with the project promising significant economic benefits.
He said the government was also exploring ways to repurpose e-toll gantries for traffic management and crime prevention. Although upgrades to the infrastructure were needed, the gantries’ strategic locations offer significant potential for public safety enhancements.
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