​Lerato Mailoane
Gauteng Premier, David Makhura has this afternoon re-iterated the provincial government's commitment to economic and service delivery.
Debating with opposition parties on the State of the Province Address in the legislature , Premier Makhura said: "In this year's State of the Province Address, we put forward a theme that was well received, about moving beyond a public health pandemic to place at the centre of an emergency response; on issues of economy, jobs, service delivery, confronting crime and corruption.
Makhura said over the years the provincial government's support to small businesses has moved from R600 million to over R20 billion.
Premier Makhura said Economic Development MEC, Parks Tau highlighted in the house the type of support given to small businesses through the Township Economy Partnership Fund which he said is a step in the right direction in addressing the economy of the province.
The fund will make available over R500-million to small township-based businesses in all of the GGT2030's 10 high-growth sectors. The money that government is putting in makes sure that interest rates are low and that risks are taken on SMMEs that experience difficulties accessing funds via commercial banks.
Makhura said he is shocked that opposition parties are against the Township Economic Development Bill.
"The businesspeople in townships want the bill, please don't misrepresent the people of the province," argued Makhura. 
They want progressive legislation that removes obstacles to their growth," said Makhura.
The Bill is characterized as  a game-changer since it will foster a legal mandate towards creating the Township Economy Partnership Fund and create legal certainty for the GCR and municipalities to, for example, turn taxi ranks into business hubs and develop township real estate.  
In addition, Makhura said in the next two years government will prioritise unfinished infrastructure projects.
Premier Makhura said during the mid-term report, he has been doing an objective assessment of all the departments and the province is working on reorganisation of all departments to ensure implementation and improve service delivery.