Growing Gauteng together is about building a sustainable future for all. This was the message that was given to residents of Ratanda by Mbali Hlophe (Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation) during her visit on February 27.
The aim of her visit was to engage with the local community and to relate the message of premier David Makhura during his State of the Province Address on February 26.
The premier’s address was all about growing a future with the following critical issues in mind: Building social cohesion, growing an inclusive economy that creates jobs and delivering quality education that equips children with skills for the future. The building of sustainable human settlements and spatial transformation. Strengthening the fight against crime, corruption and promoting integrity and building a reliable, safe and affordable integrated public transport system.
Hlophe said that economic growth is of utmost importance and that the premier aims for a massive increase in the number of new jobs, while sustaining existing jobs in Gauteng.
Another important aim is to have three fully operational social economic zones in Ekurhuleni, Sedibeng and Tshwane (the Gauteng-city region) by 2025. The Gauteng-city region has attracted 447 foreign direct investment projects worth R264 billion creating over 69 000 jobs. This was a major contribution to the 469 000 jobs created in Gauteng between 2014 and 2019.
The premier said that crime remains one of the top three concerns of residents of Gauteng, together with unemployment and poverty.
“Crime undermines our efforts to foster both economic development and social stability because it robs families and communities of well-deserved peace and harmony,” the premier said in his address.
He promised that Gauteng government intends to employ 400 additional traffic police officers over the next three years to increase visibility and enhance road safety.
Hlophe concluded by saying that the premier promised continuation in driving towards clean audits in all government agencies and -departments. This includes acting firmly on recommendations of the Auditor General to improve financial management and to hold officials accountable.
