Mixed reaction to proposal to combine Gauteng metros

Members of the Gauteng Legislature have responded to the proposed Gauteng Megatropolis with mixed opinions. The plan, suggested by the ANC, envisions the amalgamation of Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni into a unified city region. However, it remains uncertain whether the three metropolitan municipalities would become part of a single City of Gauteng.

Various political parties have expressed differing views on the proposal. While some parties see value in the debate surrounding the idea, others dismiss it as mere political rhetoric leading up to the November Local Government Elections. ActionSA, for instance, questions whether combining Gauteng’s major metros would bring any improvements in service delivery for residents, pointing to the West Rand District Municipality as an example of past amalgamations failing to address long-standing issues.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has taken the proposal a step further, advocating for a single Gauteng municipality and the elimination of the provincial government, including the office of the Premier. They argue that this would result in a single mayor for the entire province, with all decision-making power transferred to the national government. Subsequently, the province would consist solely of municipalities, each with the authority to govern as many provincial governments currently do.

In contrast, the ANC in Gauteng supports the idea of creating a Gauteng city region, but not through amalgamation. Instead, they propose incorporating struggling municipalities like West Rand and Sedibeng into existing metros or upgrading them to metropolitan status. ANC Gauteng PTT Member Lebogang Maile emphasizes that the goal is not to merge the metros but to establish a metropolitan governance system across the province.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has criticized the ANC for potentially redrawing municipal boundaries to boost its voter support in areas where it is losing influence.