/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

As the Gauteng Provincial Legislature prepares for its official opening on 24 February 2025 under the theme "Harnessing Parliamentary Diplomacy for the Realisation of Global Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability," the Public Servants Association (PSA) eagerly anticipates Premier Panyaza Lesufi's State of the Province Address (SOPA).
 
Representing more than 245 000 public-sector employees, the PSA asserts the necessity for the Premier to address critical issues affecting public servants and the broader community. The PSA demands a decisive plan to tackle wage stagnation and job security concerns. Public servants are at the heart of Gauteng's development, yet they face financial hardships that undermine their morale and productivity. The Premier must present a transparent strategy that ensures fair compensation and engages unions in meaningful dialogue to uphold the rights and well-being of public servants. Whilst the Provincial Government has previously emphasised infrastructure as a catalyst for job creation, the PSA insists on concrete measures that translate these initiatives into sustainable employment. The Premier must outline actionable plans to expedite infrastructure projects, particularly in underserved areas, thereby enhancing service delivery and providing lasting economic opportunities for Gauteng's residents.
 
Deteriorating working conditions across various public-service sectors, including healthcare, education, and municipal services, are unacceptable. The PSA calls on the Premier to prioritise occupational health and safety by investing in modern facilities, addressing overcrowding, and ensuring that all public servants operate in environments that safeguard their well-being. Ongoing educator shortages and inadequate resources in Gauteng's educational institutions are alarming. The Premier must present a comprehensive strategy to recruit qualified educators, improve school infrastructure, and invest in educational tools that empower for educators and learners. The future of Gauteng depends on the quality of education provided.
 
The state of healthcare in Gauteng is another pressing concern. Understaffed facilities, poor working conditions, and insufficient resources plague the system. The PSA urges the Premier to address these issues head-on by enhancing healthcare infrastructure, hiring additional medical professionals, and ensuring that all residents have access to quality healthcare services.
 
The Provincial Macro Organisation of Government (PMOG) process has introduced challenges that have yet to be adequately addressed. The PSA expects the Premier to confront these issues directly, providing clear direction and solutions to ensure that the PMOG process aligns with the interests of public servants and efficient service delivery to communities.

The PSA is committed to collaborating with the Gauteng Provincial Government to devise solutions that benefit public servants and the communities they serve. This collaboration hinges on Premier Lesufi's firm commitment to addressing these critical issues and actively involving public servants in the planning and decision-making processes that shape Gauteng's future. The PSA calls on Premier Lesufi to use the upcoming SOPA as a platform to articulate a clear, inclusive, and sustainable vision that prioritises the rights and working conditions of public servants across Gauteng.

Issued by Public Servants Association