Latest news with #StateoftheProvinceAddress
The Citizen
31-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Mpumalanga Fresh Produce Market misses another deadline: Agriculture announces postponement of launch
The long-awaited launch of the Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market (MIFPM) has been postponed yet again. On Thursday, July 31, the Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (Dardlea) released a statement announcing that the launch – which was scheduled for the end of July – has been delayed once more. According to Dardlea's provincial spokesperson, Zanele Shabangu, a new official launch date will be communicated once all outstanding regulatory processes have been finalised to ensure that the market can operate in a sustainable and legally compliant manner. ALSO READ: Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market misses deadline The MIFPM, described by Premier Mandla Ndlovu as the country's first fresh produce market since liberation, was initially announced in November 2018 and was due for completion by September 2020. However, various challenges led to multiple delays. Another deadline – intended as a soft launch – was missed in April. This soft launch was announced by Ndlovu during the State of the Province Address in February. Then, on July 12, he stated that the market would open by the end of the month. 'As part of our commitment to transparency, accountability and responsible governance, the Mpumalanga provincial government wishes to inform the public and all stakeholders that the official launch of the MIFPM, initially planned for July 2025, has been postponed,' said Shabangu. She added that the decision follows the identification of a technical administrative oversight during the final stages of preparation. 'Specifically, the operational-specific by-laws that regulate the day-to-day functioning of the market are still in the process of formal adoption by the relevant municipal structures.' Shabangu said the Certificate of Occupancy is also in the process of being finalised as part of the remaining statutory compliance requirements. While procedural in nature, these elements are essential to ensuring that the market operates in line with all legislative, safety and governance standards. ALSO READ: Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market officially handed over to departments In the interim, Dardlea will continue with its planned outreach programme, including roadshows and stakeholder engagements. 'These engagements aim to maintain momentum, deepen communication and ensure that farmers and stakeholders are fully informed and prepared for the revised market timeline. 'The provincial government remains fully committed to delivering a safe, functional and transformative fresh produce market that advances agricultural development, food system integration and economic inclusion across Mpumalanga,' Shabangu said.
The Citizen
09-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Tasneem Motara appointed acting premier of Gauteng province
Motara will assume all the duties, authority and obligations of the office. MEC for Human Settlements, Tasneem Motara is not the acting Premier of Gauteng. Picture: X/@Powerfm987 Gauteng has a new premier, albeit for a short while. Premier Panyaza Lesufi has appointed MEC for Human Settlements, Tasneem Motara, as acting premier of the Gauteng Province from Monday, 9 June to Sunday, 15 June 2025. Motara was appointed in terms of Section 131(1)(a) and Section 13 of the constitution. China trip Lesufi's spokesperson, Sizwe Pamla, said the premier is undertaking a working trip to China to finalise a 'landmark agreement with the province of Hunan.' Pamla said this is in line with the commitment he made during his 2025 State of the Province Address (Sopa). ALSO READ: Lesufi links vehicles to crime as Gauteng launches new number plate system 'This historic deal will unlock new trade opportunities for provincial SMMEs, granting them access to Hunan's vast market of over 66 million people across 13 cities, with minimal restrictions.' Unemployment Pamla said the Gauteng-Hunan trade deal aligns with the Gauteng Provincial Government's (GPG) strategy to tackle unemployment, one of the key challenges identified in the G13 (Gauteng 13 priorities). 'This initiative also supports South Africa's broader National Development Plan (NDP) 2030, which emphasises Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) as a critical driver of economic growth and job creation. 'The acting premier will assume all the duties, authority, and obligations of the office to ensure the smooth running of the provincial government,' Pamla said. Sopa In February, during his Sopa, Lesufi detailed how the provincial government is addressing 13 major challenges affecting the province. Lesufi emphasised that the provincial government would align with the five-year Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP), prioritising inclusive growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and building an ethical, capable state, as outlined by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Lesufi acknowledged that Gauteng faces 13 pressing issues, including water shortages, cable theft, non-functional traffic lights, potholes, crime, the rapid expansion of informal settlements, electricity challenges (load shedding and load reduction), gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), drug abuse, inadequate healthcare services, a shortage of schools, failing infrastructure, deteriorating central business districts (CBDs), and unemployment. NOW READ: Panyaza Lesufi accused of covering up alleged corruption involving hundreds of millions
The Citizen
04-06-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Gauteng to unveil new cutting-edge provincial number plate system
There were discussions about 'self-destructing' number plates which sound like the revolving system on James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5. An example of what the number plate piloted by G-Fleet vehicles in Gauteng will look like. Pictures: iStock and Government Gazette Motor vehicles in Gauteng will soon feature new, cutting-edge technology and possibly James Bond 007-style number plates, in an effort to mitigate criminal activity. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, along with MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, is expected to preside over the launch of the new provincial number plate system at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg on Thursday. James Bond style Lesufi first mentioned the new number plate project during his State of the Province Address (SOPA) last year, where he outlined plans to overhaul the region's number plate system. At the time, there were discussions about 'self-destructing' number plates, which may have sounded like the clever revolving system on James Bond's 1964 Aston Martin DB5. However, the new system may very well be the future of Gauteng number plates. The notice was published in the Government Gazette, signed by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, who exempted provincial government cars (the G-Fleet) trialling the number plates from using regular number plates. ALSO READ: The driver's licence machine is fixed, but another problem remains 'Cutting edge' According to the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, the new number plate system, which it calls 'the first of its kind, is cutting-edge, technological and tamper-proof.' 'This new system is a secure, traceable, and smart number plate solution, incorporating tamper-evident decals, forensic QR codes, and a fully digitised back-end portal.' 'It makes use of technological interventions aimed at tackling criminal activities including vehicle theft, fraud and cloning thereby enhancing and streamlining traffic law-enforcement as well as improving road safety in the province,' the department said. Pilot project The department said G-Fleet Management vehicles will be affixed with the new number plates as part of the six-month pilot project, before a provincial rollout. 'The system is expected to strengthen the vehicle registration and law enforcement landscape, eradicating the use of cloned or fraudulent number plates and facilitate interoperability with SADC systems, amongst others. 'Furthermore, the provincial government will also welcome enforcement officers from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) to beef up traffic law-enforcement operations,' the department said. The province's current provincial number plate system is also nearing the end of the possible character combinations for identifying specific vehicles, possibly necessitating the implementation of the new system. ALSO READ: R400m driving licence tender takes wrong turn
The Citizen
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Arrested kingpins and service delivery: Lesufi lists Gauteng successes
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi stated his administration was focused on reducing crime and growing the economy. Premier Panyaza Lesufi gave an update on Gauteng's priority programmes on Thursday morning. Almost a year into Gauteng's government of provincial unity, Lesufi listed the successes achieved over the past several months. He said his administration's key objectives were three-fold: focusing on economic growth, reducing crime and 'strengthening the capacity of the state'. Roughly 30% of key criminals arrested The premier's State of the Province Address trumpeted an investment conference that would kickstart economic revitalisation. Lesufi said on Thursday that the conference had generated R320 billion worth of pledged commitments. 'We are now focused on converting these pledges into tangible job opportunities for our people,' said the premier. In combating crime, Lesufi claimed authorities have arrested almost one-third of the kingpins associated with criminal activity in the province. 'We have apprehended over 150 of the nearly 450 criminals identified as major contributors to crime in the province,' said Lesufi, thanking police officials. 'The number of kidnappings, cash-in-transit heists has decreased. Sadly, reported cases of Gender Based violence and femicide are not decreasing as we expect them to,' the premier conceded. Service delivery Gauteng's municipalities have been ravaged by service delivery problems, notably water shortages and the deterioration of the road network. Lesufi announced that R1.5 billion has been allocated for immediate road repairs and maintenance, while R350 million is still needed to repair broken traffic signals in Johannesburg and Tshwane. 'By the end of 2025, we will take over the coordination of road maintenance programs currently managed by provinces and municipalities to ensure more efficient service delivery,' he stated. The administration is also focused on recovering hijacked buildings in Johannesburg CBD, with Lesufi claiming 12 illegally occupied buildings have been recovered so far. Compliance of staff Lesufi's opposition in the provincial legislature have been calling for the results of lifestyle and compliance audits on officials to be made public. Without revealing any specifics, the premier provided progress on vetting efforts within the administration. 'As of October 2024, the provincial government had 750 senior managers, 732 of whom were either already vetted or in the process of achieving a 98% compliance rate. 'We urgently address the remaining 17 cases where paperwork has not been submitted. 'I have received the final report of the lifestyle audits with outcomes for two Heads of Department (HOD). One HOD has successfully passed the audit, and the other one will be going for the final round of audit.' 'There are three MECs who are still to conclude the lifestyle audits as they were appointed into the Executive Council in this administration,' Lesufi stated. NOW READ: 'I'm viewing my options,' says Lesufi on availability for ANC's top positions
The Citizen
07-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Lesufi disgusted by Sedibeng's dirtiness
SEDIBENG.- The ANC Gauteng Provincial Task Team (PTT) convened a two-day lekgotla at the Indaba Hotel in Johannesburg over the weekend. The gathering followed on the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) lekgotla and the State of the Nation and Province Addresses. Its aim was also to develop a Provincial Programme of Action, the party said. The lekgotla was held under the theme: 'The Year of Renewal – Making the ANC a more effective instrument of the people to achieve the vision of the freedom charter.' Speaking at the opening of the event, ANC Gauteng Provincial Task Team Co-Convenor who is also Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, mentioned the Sedibeng area on numerous occasions where service delivery is deplorable. He rebuked his party's officials at the helm of both the Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM) and the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM). 'Comrades, our province (is) and our municipalities are dirty, dirty, dirty. I attended the May rally in Sharpeville, Executive Mayor Sedibeng auwaaaaaaaaa banna (Nooooooooooo Man),' Lesufi said, in disgust. 'If we cannot get the basics right, we have no legitimate right to claim that our people should still have confidence in us. If we can not get the basics right, we are no longer representing our people, we are misleading them. If we can not get the basics right, then we are betraying the revolution that we said we must not betray.' Attendees of the lekgotla included ANC Gauteng PTT members, ANC Regional officials and office bearers, provincial representatives of ANC leagues, Alliance and Umkhonto We Sizwe Liberation War Veterans (MKLWV), representatives of ANC municipal caucuses, ANC caucus of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature and ANC NEC deployees. Key objectives of the lekgotla were outlined as follows: • Deliberate on the challenges identified in the 2025 State of the Province Address and develop ways to overcome the challenges. • Formulate strategies for the upcoming local government elections. • Rebuild public trust through renewed communication and community engagement efforts. The two-day lekgotla started on Saturday and ended on Sunday. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
