Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
24 February 2025 | 09:44 CAT

Gauteng SOPA: Parties expect ’empty promises’ from Lesufi. (Source – MSN)

Gauteng cannot afford another State of the Province Address (SOPA) filled with hollow promises and political gimmicks. This is the strong sentiment echoed by ActionSA’s John Moodey, who has criticized Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s latest address for lacking tangible progress and measurable outcomes.

In a conversation with Radio Islam International, Moodey expressed deep frustration over the Premier’s failure to provide clear updates on several critical issues that continue to plague Gauteng. “We were expecting detailed feedback on the water crisis, law enforcement promises, the failing healthcare system, and economic growth strategies,” Moodey stressed. “Instead, we got more rhetoric with little substance.”

One of the pressing concerns raised was the ongoing water crisis in Gauteng. Premier Lesufi had previously promised specialized law enforcement units, stricter water restrictions, and the launch of a water data hub—initiatives that, according to Moodey, remain unrealized. “We need to hear what’s been done. Right now, it’s just promises,” he said.

Healthcare was another major point of contention. Moodey described the province’s hospitals as “on the brink of collapse,” with medication shortages and under-resourced facilities becoming the norm. He noted that Lesufi had pledged to expand drug rehabilitation services and invest in skill development programs, yet no significant progress has been seen.

Economic growth, too, remains a concern. Lesufi previously announced a R22 billion investment aimed at job creation, but with unemployment figures continuing to rise, Moodey questioned the efficacy of these plans. “Two billion rand was supposed to uplift the spaza shop economy, but where is the impact?” he asked.

Moodey was especially critical of the Premier’s approach to law enforcement. He pointed out the flaws in the traffic warden project, which employed 6,000 untrained individuals under stipends without granting them arrest powers or long-term job security. “This isn’t sustainable. It’s creating false hope, and ultimately, more problems,” Moodey warned.

As Gauteng continues to grapple with systemic issues, ActionSA is calling for concrete, implementable plans backed by measurable outcomes. “Gauteng residents deserve more than just words—they deserve action,” Moodey concluded.

Listen to the full interview with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie and ActionSA’s John Moodey on Your World Today.