‘The fight is far from over’: Lesufi acknowledges Gauteng crime, governance and service-delivery challenges

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi unveiled the province's latest progress report on Wednesday, emphasizing both achievements and ongoing challenges. Despite a 3% decline in contact crime, including reductions in murder, sexual offenses, and aggravated robberies, Lesufi admitted that the fight against crime remains far from complete. The report highlighted increases in attempted murder and assault-related crimes, underscoring that violence continues to pose a significant threat.

The premier also addressed financial management issues, noting that over 3,600 officials involved in supply-chain management and finance functions had submitted lifestyle-audit forms. In contrast, 20 individuals from the Office of the Premier and Gauteng CoGTA were referred to the Special Investigating Unit for further investigation. Lesufi vowed to implement all recommendations from a forensic investigation into the province's leasing arrangements, which identified over R558 million in irregular expenditure.

Governance challenges persist, particularly in municipalities grappling with water shortages and financial pressures. While the province has made strides in stabilizing local government, maintaining council stability, and achieving 96% expenditure of its Municipal Infrastructure Grant, some municipalities continue to struggle. Water disruptions have affected communities, and emergency repairs, tankering, and efforts to strengthen electricity resilience are underway to address these issues.

On a positive note, Gauteng has invested over R2 billion in social infrastructure projects this financial year, completed five delayed schools, and recorded 24,390 new Lenacapavir initiations as part of its HIV-prevention program. The province has also secured R200 billion in new private investment pledges over the past two years, bringing total investment pledges to more than R500 billion.

However, Lesufi emphasized that these efforts are ongoing, aimed at translating economic growth into tangible benefits for the people of Gauteng.