Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has raised concerns about the government of provincial unity’s crime-fighting strategies, which have failed to curb the rising crime rates in the province.
During a media briefing marking the government’s first 100 days in office, Lesufi expressed worry about the coalition’s ability to combat crime, despite garnering support from over 80% of the provincial legislature. He highlighted the alarming increase in serious and violent crimes such as murder, attempted murder, and assault in Gauteng, as indicated by recent statistics.
Lesufi admitted that the current crime-fighting efforts of his cabinet were inadequate, rating them at two out of 10. He emphasized the urgent need for significant improvements to address the persistent crime challenges that plague the province, including building hijackings.
To tackle the crime situation, the provincial government has signed a collaborative agreement with national Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to enhance joint efforts between provincial law enforcement and local municipalities. This agreement includes weekly safety briefings with all municipalities and the sharing of CCTV footage with the provincial command center, including video feeds from private security agencies.
In efforts to revitalize the Johannesburg CBD, 12 hijacked buildings have been reclaimed through court orders, with title deeds distributed to more than 4,000 families in need of secure housing. These initiatives aim to restore safety and property rights in one of Gauteng’s economically active yet troubled urban centers.
Regarding water issues in the province, Lesufi clarified that Gauteng does not suffer from a water shortage but rather faces systemic challenges, including illegal connections and losses due to aging infrastructure. A task team of law enforcement officials will be formed to identify and disconnect illegal water connections across the province.
Addressing concerns about corruption in his government, Lesufi assured transparency and emphasized that there were no outstanding reports. He urged the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to prioritize reviews of officials involved in supply-chain management and finance to prevent corruption.
Despite initial challenges with coalition partners, the government of provincial unity managed to pass the Gauteng Provincial Appropriation Bill on August 1, allocating R165 billion towards critical provincial needs. Lesufi encouraged the Democratic Alliance (DA) to reconsider joining the coalition, emphasizing the ANC’s openness to collaboration with the party.
In conclusion, while facing various challenges, including crime, water issues, and corruption, the government of provincial unity in Gauteng remains committed to addressing the pressing needs of its communities and fostering collaboration among political parties for the betterment of the province.
