Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi. (file photo)
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has expressed concern about the provincial unity government's anti-crime strategy, which has failed to stem the rise in crime in the province.
Speaking at a press conference to mark the first 100 days of his administration on Wednesday, Lesufi said that although the coalition government, which includes various political parties under the cooperative governance model, has the support of more than 80% of the state parliament, its ability is limited. He said he was concerned. To fight crime.
This comes after statistics released in August showed Gauteng was among the provinces with an increase in serious and violent crimes such as murder, attempted murder and assault. It is.
Lesufi expressed regret over persistent crimes such as building hijackings, saying he was “not able to sleep at night”.
He gave the Cabinet's anti-crime efforts a score of 2 out of 10, adding that significant improvements were needed.
“We're not doing a good job,” he admitted, acknowledging the public's frustration.
He said that to address the problem of crime, the state government had signed a cooperation agreement with National Police Minister Senzo Mchunu aimed at strengthening joint efforts between law enforcement agencies and local authorities in the state. Ta.
“The agreement will result in weekly safety briefings with all municipalities. Municipalities will now provide surveillance footage, including video feeds from private security agencies, to the state command center. I agree,” he said.
Efforts to revitalize Johannesburg's CBD have resulted in the return of 12 hijacked buildings by court order and the distribution of title deeds to more than 4,000 families in need of safe housing.
“These initiatives aim to restore both security and property rights in one of Gauteng's most economically active but troubled urban centres,” Lesufi said. said.
Regarding Gauteng's ongoing water crisis, the Prime Minister said the province is not suffering from water scarcity, but rather “systemic challenges”, particularly illegal connections and losses due to aging infrastructure.
“We are assembling a task team of law enforcement officials dedicated to identifying and disconnecting illegal water connections across the state,” he said.
Lesufi cited concerns about corruption within the government, saying the administration was transparent and there were no outstanding reports.
This comes after he was accused of withholding a forensic report that allegedly showed corruption and mismanagement in the Gauteng Social Development Department.
Lesufi said the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) should prioritize investigating officials involved in supply chain management and finance, key positions that could lead to corruption if left unchecked.
“I must stress that so far no reports, whether from the SIU, the Public Protector and Auditor-General, or the Public Interest Commission, have been published before we take on this leadership. “There are no outstanding reports that have been finalized,” he said.
“We are ready. We have received a Freedom of Information request under the Freedom of Information Act. Together with the administrator, we have made this request to the Executive Director.”
Lesufi called on the Democratic Alliance (DA), which withdrew from negotiations during the formation of the provincial unity government, to join the party, as the ANC remained open to joining a coalition government.
In July, the ANC in Gauteng formed a government made up of smaller parties including Rise Mzansi, the Patriotic Alliance, and the Inkatha Freedom Party.
“We have a good relationship with ActionSA. If the DA feels they want to be part of this government, we are happy to open our doors. If they are reviewed and want to work with us… things will be easier. We are not banning anyone from going out,” Lesufi said on Wednesday.
Despite claims by critics that the provincial government would struggle to pass legislation and a budget, Mr Lesufi said his coalition partners managed to pass the Gauteng Provincial Spending Bill on August 1, devoting R165 billion to the province's key budgets. He said that he was directing his efforts to meet the needs of the public.
“This bill… [government of provincial unity’s] We are committed to addressing the immediate service delivery requirements of our communities,” he said.
