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The GOOD party in Tshwane has two hopes for tonight’s Gauteng State of the Province Address. Premier Panyaza Lesufi needs to outline a clear plan to address economic growth and job creation in the Province and he needs to set clear objectives to root out corruption. 

The Province must prioritise the allocation of funds for key infrastructure projects. This means funding for further road infrastructure to unlock strategic areas, funding for the revitalisation and expansion of the automotive industry and assistance in the rejuvenation of the inner-city. We need to see an overall effort to attract more investment into Gauteng and of course the capital city Tshwane. The hosting of the G20 and Urban 20 in Gauteng later this year will be a unique opportunity to showcase the Province to the world.

To show investors that the Gauteng Government is keen to do business, the other key priority should be addressing corruption. It has been years since Babita Deokaran exposed the illegal and immoral waste of money in Gauteng government. She tragically paid the ultimate price for her bravery and patriotism. Yesterday marked the 4-and-a-half-year anniversary since her murder. Let her death not be in vain. More action needs to be taken to encourage and protect whistleblowers. The province's departments of Health and Social Development are both mired in corruption scandals, while the most vulnerable citizens are left to suffer with no support. Urgent steps need to be introduced to bring an end to corruption in the Province.

The GOOD party was founded by Patricia de Lille, a whistleblower who herself exposed corruption in the Arms Deal. The Premier must take a stand against corruption to stop the rot and clean house.

It is time to be honest about the decay in the province brought about by years of corruption, poor maintenance and stagnant economic growth. We need practical steps, not pipe dreams to turn this province around.

Issued by Sarah Mabotsa, GOOD: City of Tshwane Councillor