By Staff Reporter
President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Thursday that if government fails to move with speed to address the critical challenges identified in the Gauteng State of the Province Address (SOPA), it risks undermining the progress already made.
He cited recurring issues in Gauteng, including governance failures, financial mismanagement in municipalities, crumbling infrastructure, rising crime and unreliable service delivery.
Ramaphosa also expressed disappointment over Johannesburg’s condition, calling it disheartening to see the city in disarray during last week’s G20 meetings.
“Across Gauteng and the nation, our foremost challenges remain unemployment and poverty, which demand concerted efforts,” Ramaphosa said during an oversight visit to Gauteng.
He met with the Provincial Executive Committee and Johannesburg Metro Council leadership, marking the fourth such engagement between the national and provincial governments following recent interactions in Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo.
Ramaphosa outlined Gauteng’s pivotal role and dual challenges within the national landscape.
Despite being the smallest province geographically, Gauteng boasts unparalleled economic significance, contributing the largest share to the country’s GDP.
It also serves as a vital hub for finance, governance, industry, and innovation.
“Gauteng’s economic prosperity is crucial for South Africa as a whole,” Ramaphosa said.
“If Gauteng fails, South Africa cannot succeed.”
He highlighted Johannesburg as Africa’s financial capital, home to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and headquarters of numerous multinational corporations.
Tshwane, as the administrative center, houses key government departments and plays a pivotal role in shaping national policy.
Ekurhuleni, a powerhouse of industrial and manufacturing activities, drives logistics, production, and national supply chains.
Ramaphosa commended Gauteng’s economic growth, surpassing the national rate, attributing this to the province’s economic strength and resilience.
He praised Gauteng’s plans to build on the success of the South Africa Investment Conference by hosting its inaugural Gauteng Investment Conference in April 2025.
“Gauteng’s initiatives to bolster township economic development, Agro-processing, and support for SMMEs hold promise to stimulate economic growth and generate employment opportunities,” Ramaphosa said.
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