Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
17 August 2024 | 11:38 CAT

KATLEHONG, SOUTH AFRICA – AUGUST 15: Panyaza Lesufi (Gauteng Premier ) during the Official Opening of the First Term of the 7th Legislature. Photo by Gallo Images/OJ Koloti

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s bold vision for the province pledged not just promises but tangible action to transform it into a powerhouse of growth, innovation and safety.

Delivering his State of the Province address (Sopa) in Katlehong in Ekurhuleni on Thursday, Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi announced big plans to grow the province’s economy. These include scrapping e-tolls, establishing a provincial bank, and setting up a pharmaceutical company.

This marks his second SOPA of the year, delivered under the new Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), a coalition government formed to address the province’s diverse needs within the 7th administration, which is focused on economic growth and social development.

However, according to the DA, the Gauteng business community is interested in something other than the proposed provincial state-owned bank or the pharmaceutical company.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has long warned the department that this new proposed entity is unnecessary as it duplicates existing entities in the province.

“The DA remains concerned that the two new proposed entities will be looted and will not be of any benefit to the residents of Gauteng. Instead of spending money establishing new entities in the province, the money could be used to improve service delivery in our province,” DA’s MPL Madeleine Hicklin says.

She added, “Furthermore, the feasibility studies for both entities must be made public as a matter of urgency. This will allow Gauteng residents to know exactly where the money for these two new entities will be coming from.”

You can listen to the full interview on The Daily Round Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany and the DA’s MPL Madeleine Hicklin here.