Lesufi ‘cannot afford’ to ignore coalition partners
Political analyst Oscar van Heerden has cautioned that Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi would need to consider his coalition’s needs to keep the promises made during his State of the Province Address.
Lesufi delivered his State of the Province Address on Monday, outlining the measures the provincial government will take to solve what he dubbed Gauteng’s 13 priority issues.
The issues highlighted by the premier include the water supply crisis, non-functional traffic lights, potholes and the standard of healthcare in the province.
Lesufi is leading a minority government after the ANC garnered only 34% of the vote in the province during the 2024 general elections.
"He has partners in the provincial government, and we saw what happened to the national budget when you ignore your partners, you run into problems,” said Van Heerden, who is a researcher at UJ’s Centre for African Diplomacy and Leadership.
"I'm sure that Lesufi would have taken some of the issues of his partners in his government on board in order to make sure that this programme is actually endorsed by the provincial government.”
During his address in Tshwane, Lesufi said the province is aligned with the medium-term development plan’s three strategic priorities: driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.
Van Heerden said it is no secret that a lot of work needs to be done in terms of basic service delivery despite the successes highlighted by the premier.
"But the truth of the matter is, so much more needs to take place. And that is the issue. They're finding themselves quite wanting as the provincial government.
"There are a few things that have happened over the last few years. He said they will build an additional 18 schools. We give them that, but there's so much more that needs to take place,” warned Van Heerden.
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