Cape Town — The African National Congress (ANC) and Democratic Alliance (DA) clashed at the Gauteng State of the Province (SOPA) when the ruling party accused their opposition rivals of giving the people of Tshwane cholera.
During the 15-minute SOPA debate, ANC chief whip, Lesego Makhubela, may have crossed the line with his accusations towards the DA, with members in the chamber demanding that Makhubela withdraw his statement, which he did not. The ANC also accused the DA and EFF of being “beneficiaries of the ANC”, The Citizen reported.
According to DA Gauteng leader, Solly Msimanga, the provincial government has failed to turn the tide on illegal mining, saying things at the Randfontein and Carletonville mines were business as usual. However, Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, said the government has reported the work of the SANDF, and he felt no other party was fit to lead the province besides the ANC.
Gauteng ANC spokesperson and chief whip Lesego Makhubela has called on DA MPL Jack Bloem to tell the truth about what transpired during Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s #SOPA address. Makhubele says video evidence disputes Bloem’s version.
Watch: https://t.co/JpiGl0XNsw#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/S8GGcqU8wG
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) February 22, 2024
Msimanga reminded Lesufi that e-tolls were now a thing of the past, accusing the party of failing to reveal more than R12billion they failed to pay. Lesufi said they were the first ones to approach Treasury to scrap e-tolls.
Lesufi acknowledged that the people of Gauteng have rejected e-tolls, and the government plans to replace the toll scheme with a new financing mechanism for the Gauteng freeway upgrade debt.
“We held a meeting with the minister of finance, with the minister of transport, all of us now have reached an agreement that by the 31st of March this year, the formal process to switch off and delink e-tolls will begin and e-tolls will be history in our province. The minister of finance will elaborate on this subject,” Lesufi said.
Meanwhile, the DA revealed it intends to keep fighting against the ANC’s cadre deployment corruption, as they intend to outlaw cadre deployment and oust the ANC from government.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana says there’s no deal yet to end e-tolls after Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said they’re close to scrapping the system. Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga clarifies the department’s position.
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— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) February 23, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
