ActionSA says the newly appointed Gauteng cabinet, led by Panyaza Lesufi, represents a continuation of the same old politics that has brought South Africa’s economic hub to its knees.
Lesufi announced his cabinet on Wednesday night, following a two-week delay and disagreements with the Democratic Alliance (DA).
OPPOSITION PARTIES SLAM GAUTENG CABINET
ActionSA Gauteng leader Funzi Ngobeni said it has yet to hit home for Lesufi that his return as Gauteng Premier does not represent the will of residents.
Funzi said Lesufi would do well to study the 2024 Provincial Election Results, a striking rebuke of a Premier whose first term was marked by failure, a series of failed gimmicks, and empty promises, prompting residents to vote to remove him from office.
“Therefore, Gauteng residents should not hold their breath for any real change in the provincial government’s comical approach to governance, which prioritises PR stunts over real practical solutions and political patronage over the deployment of skilled professionals to deliver services for residents,” Ngobeni said.
Further, Ngobeni said they have continuously expressed concern about the ongoing decline in Gauteng’s critical infrastructure, which has unquestionably contributed to the economic downturn.
“It is clear that our roads, water, and sanitation infrastructure require repairs and upgrades, and, importantly, urgent intervention is needed to address residents’ housing and energy needs.
“Furthermore, as criminal gangs continue to wreak havoc across Gauteng, ActionSA expresses concern regarding Premier Lesufi’s decision to centralise the critical function of safety and security within his office chiefly because if his failed Crime Wardens scheme is anything to go by, the safety and security of residents are at serious risk,” he added.
ANC ACCUSED OF RECYCLING MECS
On the other hand, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) also criticised the Gauteng cabinet saying the ANC is recycling its leadership in the province instead of appointing credible and dedicated individuals to serve the people of Gauteng.
“The recycling of this failed collective, sadly, is a confirmation that the stark challenges of unemployment, high levels of crime, ailing infrastructure, failing economy among others will persist.
“These MECs failed dismally in executing their responsibilities in the previous administration. Rewarding them with government positions is a clear indication that the ANC is still not serious about changing the material conditions of our people,” EFF Gauteng chairperson Nkululeko Dunga said.
