‘Pull together for Gauteng’s people’
MAKHURA ASKS FOR POLITICAL MATURITY Premier admits that despite all efforts, e-tolls remain problem.
Yesterday’s State of the Province address (Sopa) by Gauteng Premier David Makhura was marred only by brief interruptions, mainly from EFF members protesting the recent deaths of scores of psychiatric patients in the province.
Earlier yesterday, residents from Randfontein protested near the Greenhills Stadium, where the address was originally scheduled to be given.
It was later moved into a marquee.
Police had to use teargas to disperse EFF members who were trying to block people from gaining access to the address.
The protesters held placards reading “Makhura must fall”, in reference to the tragic Life Esidimeni incident, in which more than 100 mentally ill patients died after being transferred to facilities that were improperly registered.
Inside the marquee, EFF members asked for the Esidimeni matter be debated, but speaker Ntombi Mekgwe reminded them debate would only take place next week.
Makhura said the time had come for all politicians to start showing political maturity.
He said that while in discussion with bereaved families from the Esidimeni tragedy, they told him it should not be used as a football by politicians who wanted to score political points, as this would prolong their healing process.
Addressing MECs and heads of departments, Makhura said he had always emphasized that reviewing contracts with any service provider must never compromise service delivery, especially when the most vulnerable groups, which depend entirely on the state for their well-being, were affected.
He said the provincial government would work with everyone, Public transport and logistics. Mega human settlements. Renewable energy and other energy projects. ICT and broadband. Government precincts to provide integrated service delivery
Water and sanitation.
Political parties have no choice but to work together or they will not get far in terms of improving the lives of Gauteng residents
irrespective of their political affiliation, saying residents did not expect anything but improved service delivery.
He said rival political parties had no choice but to work together or they would not get far in terms of improving the lives and living conditions of Gauteng residents.
Commenting on the controversial e-tolls system which was widely opposed by Gauteng motorists, Makhura said: “I admitted previously and I want to reiterate today that all the efforts around the e-tolls have not resolved the problem.”
Turning to unemployment, Makhura said Gauteng had recorded the largest net gain in new jobs created since the 2008 global financial crisis. Between 2010 and end of 2016, the provincial economy created more than 700 000 new jobs.
“Since the start of the fifth administration in 2014, biannual employment has reached 317 000, thus breaking the ceiling of 300 000.
“Taking into account the dynamic of job losses in sectors such as manufacturing and mining, as well as the reality that 42% of all migrants come into Gauteng, our employment gains are significant but not sufficient to turn the tide of unemployment,” he said. –
David Makhura