COSATU Gauteng has taken note of Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s address outlining the progress and priorities of the Gauteng Provincial Government. As the united voice of workers, the unemployed, women, youth, informal traders, commuters and working-class communities, we welcome every genuine intervention aimed at improving the lives of our people. We appreciate that the Premier has consistently briefed residents of Gauteng on progress made towards the implementation of the State of the Province Address (SOPA) commitments and promises. Much as we appreciate progress, much is still to be done.  

Crime and Community Safety

While the reported decline in overall crime is welcomed, statistics alone cannot comfort communities living under the daily threat of violence. Rising incidents of attempted murder and assault confirm that many working-class communities continue to experience unacceptable levels of insecurity. At heart of this crises is the deterioration of socio-economic conditions of the working class. COSATU Gauteng calls for visible policing, improved response times, functional street lighting, safer public transport and stronger partnerships between communities and law enforcement agencies. Crime must be confronted through decisive action, and coordinated and collaborative planning and implementation.

Healthcare

The introduction of long-acting HIV prevention injections represents an important milestone in the fight against HIV/AIDS. However, healthcare innovations mean little if they remain inaccessible to many of our citizens. The government must ensure that clinics are adequately staffed, properly resourced and easily accessible. Every person must receive healthcare with dignity, free from discrimination and unnecessary delays.

COSATU called for improved primary health system that must have adequate nurses, doctors, support staff, medical equipment and enough medicine. We further call for collaboration between law enforcement agencies and health institutions to curb the spiraling attacks on medical staff in clinics and hospitals.

Corruption and Public Accountability

COSATU Gauteng welcomes efforts to strengthen lifestyle audits and expose corruption within the public service. However, South Africans have grown tired of investigations that produce reports without accountability. Those responsible for the reported irregular expenditure on the government leases must face the full might of the law. Public resources belong to the people, not to those who abuse positions of trust for personal enrichment. Every rand stolen from the public purse is a rand taken away from workers, learners, patients and struggling communities.

Water Security

Access to clean water is a constitutional right, not a privilege. Communities cannot continue enduring recurring water disruptions while infrastructure deteriorates. The government must accelerate maintenance, repair ageing infrastructure, reduce water losses and provide communities with clear implementation timelines. Working families cannot survive on promises while taps remain dry. We however appreciate the efforts made by the Gauteng Provincial Government to restore water flows in many communities which were affected during the water crisis earlier this year.

Economic Growth, Jobs and Industrialisation

COSATU Gauteng acknowledges the government’s investment commitments. However, investment announcements alone do not put food on workers’ tables. The true measure of economic success is the creation of sustainable, decent jobs. We call for accelerated industrialisation, expanded support for township and informal economies, stronger procurement opportunities for local enterprises and meaningful employment opportunities for women and young people. Economic growth must benefit the citizens of the country not only investors. The Federation hopes that in the next quarter report, the Premier will provide the number of jobs created since SOPA.

Public Transport

Reliable, affordable and safe public transport remains essential for economic participation.While investments in rail infrastructure are welcomed, the government must equally prioritise buses, taxis and road infrastructure. Millions of workers depend on public transport every day and should not be subjected to unsafe conditions or escalating transport costs.

The continuous dysfunctionality of NTI is the cause for concern. Gauteng commuters using NTI are negatively affected by the mismanagement of the entity. For months workers’ salaries remain unpaid while administrators take the bulk of subsidies paid by the Gauteng Department of Transport. We call Premier Panyaza Lesufi and the North West Premier to institute a forensic investigation on maladministration and corruption in this entity. Those who are purported to have sold state owned busses must be brought to book.  

Education

Investment in education remains one of the most important responsibilities of the government.COSATU Gauteng welcomes new schools but emphasises that overcrowded classrooms, inadequate sanitation, infrastructure backlogs and teacher shortages continue to undermine quality education.Every child deserves access to a safe, well-resourced learning environment. We support the efforts by the MEC of Education, Lebogang Maile who is working tirelessly to take forward education in Gauteng. At the same time COSATU is worried by continued attacks on educators by learners. We call for collaborative efforts between the Congress of South African Student Organisation (COSAS), the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU), South African National Civic Organisation, school governing bodies and law enforcement agencies to address this phenomenon once and for all.

Local Government

Communities expect municipalities that function effectively and deliver basic services. The continued failures in water provision, electricity supply, refuse removal and housing demand urgent intervention. The government must strengthen municipal governance, eliminate corruption and restore public confidence in local government institutions.

E-Tolls and the Cost of Living

COSATU Gauteng notes the government’s commitment regarding the e-toll debt. This effort by the GPG is highly appreciated. COSATU has campaigned tirelessly to get this policy nightmare to be scrapped.  While this is the case, COSATU call for the GPG to make a balancing act towards servicing the debts and service delivery.

Having noted progress made, COSATU will convene a meeting with all MECs to receiving a briefing on progress made by each Department since. We will further engage the Premier on the convening of the Provincial Labour Forum that should address labour relations lapses and strengthening of collaboration with workers and government.

Issued by COSATU Gauteng

Provincial Chairperson: Amos Vusi Monyela: 079 493 5002

Provincial Secretary: Louisah Moepeng Modikwe: 082 297 2659