Gauteng executive council hails provincial progress on key priorities

By Johnathan Paoli

Gauteng’s provincial executive council has called for progress in healthcare, infrastructure projects, social development, education, and public safety.

The provincial executive council convened in Johannesburg on Wednesday to address critical matters impacting the province’s development, with key outcomes from the meeting highlighting progress in healthcare, infrastructure projects, social development, education, and public safety.

Gauteng spokesperson Vuyo Mhaga said that the state of healthcare infrastructure was a top agenda item, with Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi presenting updates on the National Health Insurance (NHI) and providing a provincial assessment of healthcare facilities revealed an urgent need for structural repairs and upgrades.

To spearhead these efforts, a Cabinet Subcommittee chaired by Premier Panyaza Lesufi, alongside MECs Lebogang Maile, Jacob Mamabolo, and Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, will oversee the implementation of these initiatives.

The Public Service Commission also cleared Lesiba Malotana’s appointment to the Department of Health, addressing previous allegations of impropriety.

Mhaga said the meeting lauded the Social Development department’s significant progress in disbursing funds to NPOs.

Since October, 95% of business plans submitted by the province’s 1,774 NPOs have been processed, with over 1,500 agreements have been already translated into payments, ensuring programs aligned with provincial mandates are supported.

Daily payment runs will continue to maintain this momentum, with the department reaffirming its commitment to NPO partnerships.

He said the province’s plan to roll out tamper-proof number plates is gaining traction, with the meeting receiving an update on the project, which aims to bolster crime prevention by introducing hard-to-copy plates for vehicles.

The initiative will begin with government vehicles as part of a pilot program, with consultations underway to align with national standards.

Mhaga said that amid rising cases of foodborne illnesses, the meeting endorsed stringent measures to regulate food sales in schools and communities.

He said vendors must now register with municipalities, with the process streamlined to avoid excessive bureaucracy, and by-laws enforcing food safety compliance are being adopted across Gauteng municipalities, ensuring public health remains a priority.

The Basic Education department has also issued guidelines to prevent food poisoning incidents in schools, emphasizing safe food handling practices.

The R36 million Farmyard Township Retail Project, designed to support small-scale entrepreneurs, has come under scrutiny for alleged financial mismanagement, with Agriculture MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa announcing an internal investigation into the program’s costing.

The spokesperson requested assistance from the Special Investigating Unit to recover funds and ensure accountability and asked for further funding for the project that has been suspended pending the investigation.

Plans for the High-Speed Rail Link connecting Gauteng and Limpopo are advancing, with both provinces collaborating on a feasibility study.

A joint panel co-chaired by the Premiers of Gauteng and Limpopo will oversee the project, which aims to enhance interprovincial connectivity.

He said the government has planned to submit a bankable proposal to the National Government, with the project promising significant economic benefits.

As Grade 12 students complete their National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, the focus shifts to 2025, with the council emphasising the importance of school readiness, with oversight visits planned to ensure smooth re-openings.

Provincial and national NSC results will be announced in the second week of January next year respectively.

Mhaga said the government is exploring ways to repurpose e-toll gantries for traffic management and crime prevention.

Although upgrades to the infrastructure are needed, the gantries’ strategic locations offer significant potential for public safety enhancements.

With Johannesburg set to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit, the province is positioning itself as a key player in thematic areas linked to South Africa’s hosting mandate, aiming to leverage this global event to drive local economic goals.

The Gauteng Growth and Development Agency welcomed its newly appointed board members, led by Chairperson Craig Johannes Comish, and is expected to focus on advancing the province’s economic initiatives.

Mhaga said that the comprehensive agenda reflects Gauteng’s commitment to addressing immediate challenges while laying the foundation for long-term growth and development.

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