Cape Town — ActionSA has criticised the newly announced Gauteng Provincial Executive, led by Premier Panyaza Lesufi, labelling it as a continuation of ineffective politics that has hampered the province’s progress.
Lesufi unveiled a Council of 10 MECs from various political parties in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
Formed after negotiations with the Democratic Alliance (DA) collapsed, the council includes members from the African National Congress (ANC), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Patriotic Alliance (PA), and RISE Mzansi.
The announcement, delayed by over two weeks, was met with scepticism from ActionSA, which expressed concerns over the reappointment of Lesufi.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has finally announced his 10 member Cabinet with 1 from the IFP, 1 PA and 1 from the Rise Mzansi whilst the other 7 are from the ANC #LokuhleFM pic.twitter.com/y3e3CTQEeU
— Lokuhle FM (@LokuhleFM) July 4, 2024
Talking to SABC News, ActionSA Gauteng Provincial Caucus Leader, Funzi Ngobeni, said Lesufi’s return to politics as Premier was a continuation of old politics as most of the retained members had failed in their previous posts.
“If you look at the composition of this executive you’ll actually realise that about seven of these MECs are from a previous administration – the one that South Africans and the people of Gauteng didn’t give a majority. They failed and that’s why they were punished in the election,” Ngobeni said.
In a statement, Ngobeni said that Lesufi did not represent the will of the residents.
“It has clearly not hit home for Andrek that his return as Gauteng Premier does not represent the will of residents. He would do well to study the 2024 Provincial Election Results which were a striking rebuke of a Premier whose first term was marked by failure, a series of failed gimmicks, and empty promises, prompting residents to vote to remove him from office.”
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s newly-appointed Provincial Executive represents a mere continuation of the same old politics that has brought South Africa’s economic hub to its knees.https://t.co/3nleNAgbrk
Gauteng residents should therefore not expect any real change from…
— ActionSA (@Action4SA) July 4, 2024
“Therefore, Gauteng residents should not hold their breath for any real change in the provincial government’s comical approach to governance, which prioritises PR stunts over real practical solutions and political patronage over the deployment of skilled professionals to deliver services for residents.”
Ngobeni emphasised the pressing need for economic growth, infrastructure repair, and addressing housing and energy needs.
“Among many pressing challenges hampering progress in Gauteng, ActionSA has identified arresting the decline in economic growth and putting Gauteng on a prosperous trajectory as our top priority and accordingly will ensure that we exercise maximum oversight of the Economic Development Department led by MEC Lebogang Maile.
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“ActionSA has continuously expressed concern about the ongoing decline in our province’s critical infrastructure, which has unquestionably contributed to our economic downturn. It is clear that our roads, water and sanitation infrastructure require repairs and upgrades, and, importantly, urgent intervention is needed to address the housing and energy needs of residents,” Ngobeni said.
He also raised concerns about the centralisation of safety and security functions within Lesufi’s office, citing the failure of the Crime Wardens scheme.
“Furthermore, as criminal gangs continue to wreak havoc across Gauteng, ActionSA expresses concern regarding Premier Lesufi’s decision to centralize the critical function of Safety and Security within his office chiefly because if his failed Crime Wardens scheme is anything to go by, the safety and security of residents are at serious risk.
“We will monitor developments arising from this change and will continue to advocate for a clear plan of action to tackle crime that improves collaboration with SAPS and other departments, prioritises bolstering additional law enforcement capacity, implements improved community-driven safety programs, and enhances preventative policing interventions. These efforts must start the shift away from failed reactionary responses to the escalating safety and security crisis in Gauteng,” said Ngobeni.
Despite its criticisms, ActionSA wished the new government well and expressed hope that it would prioritise the needs of Gauteng residents.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
