Gauteng SOPA: Parties expect ’empty promises’ from Lesufi

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng believes that premier Panyaza Lesufi will make more promises without the genuine intent or ability to follow through on them when he delivers his State of the Province Address (SOPA).

On Monday afternoon, the Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Morakane Mosupyoe will lead the proceedings, followed by Lesufi’s delivery of the 2025 SOPA. Lesufi is expected to reflect on the government’s achievements and challenges over the past year and outline the province’s priorities and service delivery plans for the year ahead.

DA NOT HOPEFUL ABOUT GAUTENG PREMIER PANYAZA LESUFI’S SOPA

DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga said Lesufi has consistently used every SOPA to “satisfy his relentless desire to lie and deceive the people of Gauteng, making grand promises of prosperity, only to deliver disappointment”.

Msimanga said Lesufi’s arrogance and denialism are staggering, as it is evident that under his leadership—both before and after the establishment of the Government of Provincial Unit (GPU)—Gauteng is heading straight in one disastrous direction: a downward spiral.

What concerns the Blue Party the most is that during Lesufi’s tenure, the economy of Gauteng has remained stagnant, and there has been a significant drop in investor confidence.

“The unemployment rate has increased to 34.4% in the fourth quarter from 34.0% in the previous quarter. This is according to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the fourth quarter. The number of unemployed people has also increased from 2 593 000 in the third quarter to 2 667 000 in the fourth quarter and an additional 602 000 discouraged individuals have abandoned their job search in the province,” he explained.

Further, Msimanga said Lesufi’s government has failed to maintain and improve infrastructure.

“This has been confirmed by his own MEC for Finance, Lebogang Maile, revealing that water pipes, electricity grids, and roads in some areas are more than 50 years old and on the verge of collapse as municipalities lack the funds to replace decaying infrastructure, which leads to service failures, water leaks, and electricity disruptions.

“The province’s lack of adequate infrastructure directly affects our learners. They are packed into classrooms like sardines because the Gauteng government has not built enough schools or provided temporary classrooms to address the overcrowding,” he added.

BUILD ONE SOUTH AFRICA ALSO CRITICAL OF GAUTENG GOVERNMENT

Similarly, Build One South Africa (BOSA), said Lesufi will attempt to paint a picture of progress and success when he delivers the Gauteng SOPA are the failures, mismanagement, and broken promises that continue to plague the province.

“This won’t be the first time. Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s State of the Province Address was filled with bold commitments, yet many remain unfulfilled, exposing a government failing to deliver its promises.

ARE YOU A GAUTENG RESIDENT? WHAT DO YOU THINK PREMIER PANYAZA LESUFI SHOULD FOCUS ON WHEN HE DELIVERS HIS SOPA?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.

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