The State of the Province Address (Sopa) in Gauteng was marred by a clash between members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and Premier Lesufi’s crime prevention wardens, known as AmaPanyaza.
The incident took place at the Nasrec Expo Centre, just moments before Premier Lesufi was set to deliver his final Sopa during the current administration.
The clash erupted when Phillip Makwala, the EFF’s Gauteng deputy chairperson and MPL, questioned the presence of the AmaPanyaza at the Sopa instead of being actively involved in fighting crime in their communities.
This question triggered a furious response from the AmaPanyaza, who threw water bottles and reacted angrily to Makwala’s inquiry.
The disruption caused proceedings to be halted for approximately 10 minutes before Premier Lesufi was able to deliver his speech.
[WATCH] Water bottles, chairs and other missiles fly during SOPA between EFF legislature members and beneficiaries of the Nasi Ispani programme.
Confrontation followed the EFF calling for Amapanyaza to be thrown out of SOPA. TCGpic.twitter.com/0yi99LeuFn
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) February 19, 2024
Among the attendees were the Nasi Ispani recipients, which included crime prevention wardens, the green army, teacher education assistants, and building inspector assistants. These individuals were part of the 90,000 young people employed by the Gauteng government in the past year.
During his address, Premier Lesufi highlighted several initiatives aimed at improving the economic situation in Gauteng.
One such initiative was the refurbishment of over 3,000 spaza shops in townships across the province. Additionally, a digital township business register database was established, with over 20,000 township businesses already registered.
Lesufi emphasised the importance of reclaiming township spaza shops and boosting the local economy. He acknowledged the growing rental stock in townships and stressed the need for proper channels to ensure economic growth.
Lesufi stated that over 4 million people rent backrooms, which provide much-needed additional income to township households, and the government is committed to supporting the growth of this economic sector.
To address the ongoing load-shedding crisis, Premier Lesufi outlined a five-point strategy. This strategy includes eliminating all illegal power connections, installing smart meters in every home and business, improving revenue collection, cleaning the indigent register, and replacing damaged transformers.
Lesufi also announced plans to add 100 megawatts of electricity to the grid to mitigate the impact of load shedding.
In a visit to the Solar Gas Turbines projects implemented by Johannesburg City Power, Lesufi expressed confidence that these projects would be operational by April 1, ensuring a more stable power supply for the province.
Despite the disruption during the Sopa, Premier Lesufi remained committed to addressing the challenges faced by Gauteng. He emphasised the importance of collaboration and cooperation to overcome these obstacles and ensure the province’s continued growth and development.
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As the current administration nears its end, the focus will now shift to the upcoming elections and the subsequent changes in leadership.
The incidents at the Sopa serve as a reminder of the tensions and disagreements that can arise in the political landscape, but they also highlight the importance of open dialogue and constructive engagement to find solutions for the benefit of all.
Gauteng, with its vibrant economy and diverse population, remains a key player in South Africa’s development. The challenges faced by the province require innovative solutions and a commitment to inclusivity and progress.
The State of the Province Address provided a platform for Premier Lesufi to outline his vision and plans for the future, and it is now up to the citizens of Gauteng to hold their leaders accountable and work together towards a brighter tomorrow.
 and Premier Lesufi's crime prevention wardens at the State of the Province Address in Gauteng.){kind=link}