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The recently published Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity (PMBEJD) Report exposed stark provincial disparities in food costs, with Johannesburg standing out as the most expensive city, ahead of Durban and Cape Town. On the other hand, wages have not kept pace, and jobs have been lost.

The poor and vulnerable are the most affected. The solution is dramatic growth. But Gauteng’s economy, under the leadership of Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s government, has effectively declined. It cannot accommodate escalating food prices, which have created a significant burden for residents, who find it increasingly difficult to put food on the table.

This information follows recent statistics indicating a 1.1% decline in residential property prices and a report of over 2.5 million unemployed residents in Gauteng in the third quarter, which contrasts with trends observed in other provinces.

A striking and troubling image is beginning to take shape, highlighting Gauteng as an outlier in South Africa not in a positive way. The province appears to be diverging from the national trends, raising concerns about the underlying issues that contribute to its unique status.

The Gauteng government has also failed to support farmers, putting food security at risk. This is compounded by the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) incurring irregular expenditure of R69 million and underspending over R11 million on a conditional grant meant to uplift farmers.

Premier Lesufi's government has not succeeded in boosting investor confidence to grow the economy to create sustainable jobs. Unable to find work and afford the price of food, Gauteng's poorest have little hope of survival under Premier Lesufi.

A DA Gauteng provincial government would support farmers to ensure food security.

The DA would move away from Lesufi's superficial job creation initiatives and instead focus on attracting investors to invest in the Gauteng economy and ensure viable employment.

Issued by Mike Moriarty MPL - DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Economic Development