The newly established Tshwane
Municipality Administration hosted the 2025 State of the Province Address
(SOPA) on the evening of 24 February 2025 at the state-of-the-art Tshwane
Automotive Special Economic Zone. The event brought together distinguished
guests as Gauteng Premier Mr. Panyaza Lesufi delivered an address under the 7
democratic administration of the Government of National Unity. The Premier
outlined the province’s commitment to a safer, more prosperous Gauteng,
focusing on three key strategic priorities aligned with the Medium-Term
Development Plan:
Driving
inclusive growth and job creation
Reducing
poverty and tackling the high cost of living
Building
a capable, ethical, and developmental state
Central to this vision was the imperative
to enhance public safety and security, ensuring that communities are protected
from crime and that economic growth is not hindered by lawlessness. Premier
Lesufi reflected on the province’s achievements over the past year and set the
tone for a future where effective law enforcement, technological advancements,
and community partnerships would play a crucial role in safeguarding residents.
He acknowledged that while progress had been made, challenges remained, particularly
in addressing the “Gauteng 13” (G13) priority issues, which include crime,
corruption, and infrastructure security.
Throughout his address, the Premier
reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a crime-free Gauteng. He announced
several interventions aimed at combating crime and safeguarding communities,
including the installation of CCTV cameras in high-crime areas, the expansion
of the e-panic button system, and the deployment of specialised law enforcement
units. These efforts, he said, were already yielding positive results, as
reflected in the latest crime statistics showing a decline in major criminal
activities across the province.
Premier Lesufi’s message was clear - safety
is not just the responsibility of law enforcement but a collective effort
involving government, private stakeholders, and the community. The introduction
of an air wing with three helicopters, the training of wardens in Chemical,
Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) disaster management, and the
signing of a memorandum of cooperation with SAPS and municipalities all signal
a bold step towards an integrated and proactive approach to crime prevention.
As Gauteng moves forward, we are all
urged to remain vigilant, report criminal activities, and embrace technological
safety solutions such as the e-panic App. The government will continue to
enhance safety initiatives, ensuring that businesses, commuters, and
communities thrive in a secure Gauteng. The Premier’s closing remarks
underscored the province’s unwavering commitment to making Gauteng not only the
economic hub of South Africa but also the safest place to live and work.