Gauteng Premier David Makhura has on 18 February delivered his final State of the Province Address (Sopa) before the country goes to elections.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the elections will take place on 8 May.
Makhura said his administration is working very hard to ensure that land owned by the government in the province was released to the people. In what seemed to be a direct attack on Johannesburg mayor, Herman Mashaba, Makhura said there was no mayor who could stop the release of land.
Started with the rapid land release program in Ekurhuleni to provide land for people to build houses for themselves. Concern over the delay by some municipalities. No mayor can stop rapid land release #GPSOPA19 @NE_Tribune
— Nkosazana (@LungileDube) February 18, 2019
Regret the lack of progress in some areas including transforming hostels into family dwellings. #GPSOPA19 @NE_Tribune
— Nkosazana (@LungileDube) February 18, 2019
Have transferred government land in Johannesburg to UNISA to build learning infrastructure for residents as part of the rapid land release program #GPSOPA19 @NE_Tribune
— Nkosazana (@LungileDube) February 18, 2019
Makhura was also very vocal on e-tolls on Gauteng’s freeways. The premier said e-tolls increased the cost of living and the government was working on finding a solution to pay off the e-toll debt.
Urban tolling increases the cost of living and therefore, not sustainable. Government teams working to find solution on e-tolls. President Ramaphosa said the resolution of e-tolls is one that is receiving national attention. #GPSOPA19 @NE_Tribune
— Nkosazana (@LungileDube) February 18, 2019
The premier has emphasised the revitalisation of the economy in townships. He said the majority of people in the province lived in townships and they must also play a part in growing the country’s economy.
Revitalization of township economy program has seen investment in township infrastructure including in agriculture #GPSOPA19 @NE_Tribune
— Nkosazana (@LungileDube) February 18, 2019
Transformative partnership with PnP and others has supported 11 township spaza shops which are now decent retail spaces making about R300 000 a month creating jobs in their communities #GPSOPA19 @NE_Tribune
— Nkosazana (@LungileDube) February 18, 2019
Received complaints about some bylaws which impede township economy. Invite municipalities to review bylaws #GPSOPA19 @NE_Tribune
— Nkosazana (@LungileDube) February 18, 2019
Received complaints from township entrepreneurs about illegal businesses which sell counterfeit goods. #GPSOPA19 @NE_Tribune
— Nkosazana (@LungileDube) February 18, 2019
Majority of GP population lives in townships. No meaningful change can take place without inclusion of townships #GPSOPA19 @NE_Tribune
— Nkosazana (@LungileDube) February 18, 2019
Related article:
https://northeasterntribune.co.za/227438/happens-gauteng-premier-david-makhura-delivers-state-province-address/