The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in Gauteng welcomes the State of the Province Address (SOPA) by the Premier, Honourable Panyaza Lesufi. The SOPA as delivered by the Premier was balanced and touched many aspects that have a potential to reignite the economy and social coherence in the province.
COSATU Gauteng applauds progress made in the last 18 months of the 6th Administration which included the scrapping of e-tolls, progress on establishment of the state-bank and pharmaceutical companies, Nasi Ispani, and safety and security. The announcement by the Premier that the 7th Administration will continue with these projects is appreciated and confirms the commitment by the Premier and his executive committee that the Nasi Ispani was not for electioneering but was as long-term program to fight youth unemployment.
The Federation is encouraged by the appetite of the Premier to create more jobs through the project of the high-speed train from between Gauteng and Limpopo, expansion of Gautrain to working class areas, the interprovincial linkages, strengthening of agriculture and the acceleration of skills development working with National Skills Fund and the Department of Labour and Employment. The reskilling of the unemployed youth will assist to develop young entrepreneurs who will be job creators than job seekers.
COSATU in Gauteng has also noted the zeal to enhance the township economy and turning hostels into family units. We are, however, not convinced by the announcement that the Gauteng Provincial Government will put aside R250 million to reduce the dominance of foreign-owned spaza shops in working class areas. The Federation is awaiting the strategy to assist local spaza shop owners, but we are of the firm view that the Gauteng Provincial Government should work towards building a people-centred and driven local economy. We will henceforth seek an audience with the Premier so that he can clarify the strategy to undermine the growth of foreign-owned spaza shops.
On governance, the Federation welcomes the plan to build an ethical public service. In implementing this, COSATU calls on the Premier to release the lifestyle audit report of all head of departments as part of showing the seriousness on ethical behaviour within government. Those who are reported to have not passed the test should be dealt with following applicable legal remedies.
The Federation welcomes the announcement to build more hospitals in the province. This will go a long way to address the challenges in healthcare provision and job creation. We also welcome the intervention by the Premier on the legal tussle between the Department of Health and Cancer Association. The speedy resolution to the oncology challenge in the province should be resolved as a matter of urgency so that lives of cancer patients can be saved.
COSATU welcomes the announcement on the renewal of government working together with the City of Johannesburg. This project will go a long way to restore the lost legacy of the city and build local economy.
With all the progressive pronouncement by the Premier, COSATU is waiting eagerly for the implementation plans by all Departments.
Issued By COSATU Gauteng
Provincial Chairperson: Amos Vusi Monyela: 079 493 5002
Provincial Secretary: Louisah Modikwe: 082 297 2659 / 066 182 2402