ActionSA: Few signs of progress in Gauteng ahead of SOPA
ActionSA’s Gauteng chairperson Funzi Ngobeni on Monday said little progress had been made in solving the various issues affecting the province, despite claims to the contrary Premier Panyaza Lesufi.
Ngobeni briefed the media on Monday ahead of Lesufi’s State of the Province Address.
He said prime examples of these are the establishment of the Nasi Ispani Crime Prevention Wardens.
Lesufi has come under fire from some opposition parties, which claim the re-hiring of 32,000 young people is meant to garner more support for the ANC in the run-up to the general elections.
"If you have been observing the timing of these plans, there should be no doubt in your mind that the way these commitments have been made has taken the shape of a desperate political re-election campaign, said Ngobeni.
“The reality is that our province is plagued by ongoing load shedding. Our youth and many other residents of Gauteng are unemployed. The economy is stagnant, criminals are having a field day, and our economic infrastructure, such as railway lines, has been destroyed. Our provincial public roads are in disrepair, and many of our traffic lights are either vandalised or broken.
“Our healthcare facilities are unsafe for both healthcare professionals and patients. Additionally, the Housing Mega Projects, which were supposed to be celebrated, have been left incomplete and abandoned by incompetent contractors appointed by the provincial department."
Ngobeni said ActionSA would allow Independent Power Producers to produce electricity and sell it directly to consumers using the already established power distribution infrastructure.
"Our province’s productivity levels would also evade the impact of power cuts. We will phase out fossil fuels responsibly while utilising our existing infrastructure and natural resources to avoid drastic economic losses that South Africa cannot afford.
“Remove all political appointments, rationalise the top-heavy staff structure, and verify that there are sufficient skills needed to maintain and repair the existing fleet of power stations and the grid.
“Ensure everyone has access to and benefits from the Just Energy Transition, promoting the interests of most South Africans,” added Ngobeni.
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