SOPA: Premier agrees with Jozi Mayor on inner city revitalisation

20 February 2017

 

Gauteng Premier David Makhura says he is in agreement with Johannesburg Executive Mayor Cllr Herman Mashaba that the renewal of the Johannesburg inner city must be tackled jointly by the City, the provincial government and the private sector as a matter of urgency.

 

Since taking the reins as Johannesburg’s first citizen following the 3 August 2016 local government elections, Mashaba has committed his administration to revitalising the inner city to attract investment, create employment and grow the local economy.

The rejuvenation of the inner city forms part of the new administration’s 10-point plan, along other major priorities such as defeating the scourge of corruption, running a pro-poor government and achieving a 5% economic growth rate by 2021.

Speaking during his State of the Province Address (SOPA) in Randfontein on the West Rand today (Monday February 20), Premier Makhura said Gauteng residents expected a great deal of political maturity and co-operation from their provincial and municipal government leaders.

“We embrace the fact that our province is governed by different political parties at provincial and local levels. However, we must not allow the diversity of parties to hinder the rapid implementation of programmes and projects that objectively benefit Gauteng residents,” Premier Makhura said.

He said his administration would work closely with all the municipalities to kick-start the economy and help create much-needed jobs. He added that his office was working closely with Tshwane Executive Mayor Solly Msimang to ensure that the metro played its role as the country’s capital city.

Premier Makhura said Gauteng must promote the growth of the automotive industry, aerospace and defence, agro-processing and agribusiness, innovation, and research and development.

“Together we must ensure that the Rosslyn Auto City, Hammanskraal BPO and the Centurion Aerospace are implemented. We are also working well with Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Mzwandile Masina to ensure that the Aerotropolis is implemented as quickly as possible so we can revitalise the manufacturing capacity of Ekurhuleni.”

He said Gauteng residents refused to be left behind or left out of every plan in the transformation, modernisation and reindustrialisation of the province. The Premier said although the global and domestic economy had been characterised by sluggish growth over the past two years, the provincial economy had remained resilient. He emphasised the need to support small businesses and the township economy to help create job opportunities for the youth. “The Gauteng Provincial Government has increased its spending on the township economy from R600-million in 2014 to R6-billion in 2016,” Premier Makhura said.