Ramaphosa vows to tackle governance failures, financial mismanagement in Gauteng

In a stern address during a meeting between the National Executive and the Gauteng Provincial Executive Council, President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed to tackle the failure of governance, financial mismanagement, and crumbling infrastructure in Gauteng.

The meeting, which marked the fourth engagement between the National Executive and provincial leadership, aimed to strengthen intergovernmental cooperation and ensure better alignment of provincial priorities with national goals.

Ramaphosa welcomed Gauteng's commitment to the strategic priorities of the Medium Term Development Plan, which include driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.

However, the President also acknowledged the province's recurring problems, including governance failures, financial mismanagement, crumbling infrastructure, crime, and unreliable service delivery.

"We intend to face these challenges head-on," Ramaphosa said. 

"Our greatest challenges – in Gauteng and across the country – are unemployment and poverty. These are the challenges we all must face head-on."

Ramaphosa focused the attention on the importance of cooperative governance, saying that it required that the different spheres of government should cooperate with one another in mutual trust and good faith. 

“We must assist and support each other, and coordinate our actions,” he said.

Ramaphosa also highlighted the significance of the District Development Model, which has reshaped how government operates, fostering greater coordination, integration, and efficiency across all spheres.

In a nod to Gauteng's unique position as the country's economic hub, Ramaphosa said: "The economic success of Gauteng is integral to the economic success of South Africa. Within this dynamic province are among South Africa's largest and most influential cities – Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni – each playing an important role in shaping our national and continental economic trajectory."

The President expressed support for Gauteng's plans to accelerate township economic development, agro-processing, and SMME development, saying, "These plans can accelerate economic growth and create thousands of jobs."

Ramaphosa concluded by emphasising the need for decisive action, saying, "What emerges from this meeting must not remain as just plans on paper. The outcomes of this meeting must be transformed into practical and measurable interventions that directly benefit the people of Gauteng. Let us seize this moment with urgency and determination, ensuring that every commitment made here today is followed by decisive action."

Addressing the media before Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi acknowledged that Johannesburg was in bad shape and apologised to Ramaphosa. 

“We need a leniency programme that can be enjoyed by all. And that's the approach that we are taking," he said.

"But I apologise to the president that he had that particular experience,” Lesufi said.

Lesufi further said the visit would assist the province to enhance the implementation of the three national priorities that he has repacked as part of his priorities in the province.

“The three priorities are to drive inclusive growth and job creation, reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living and to build a capable, ethical developmental State,” said Lesufi.

mashudu.sadike@inl.co.za