Unemployment, substance abuse and corruption took centre stage during the Gauteng Provincial Government's post SOPA engagement with the residents of Tshepisoville in Vereeniging, Sedibeng Region.
On Wednesday, all Members of the Executive Council (MECs) were delegated in various communities in the province to engage residents about the contents of the State of the Province Address (SOPA) and to outline key priorities of the sixth administration.
Transport and Road Infrastructure MEC Jacob Mamabolo unpacked the State of the Province Address and commitments made by Gauteng Premier David Makhura for the 2019/20 financial year.
Mamabolo said the engagement allows for a two-way flow of information. It provides an opportunity for people to share their concerns, hear other points of view, and identify areas of concern.
He emphasised that the Sixth Provincial Administration will pay significant attention to the economy, to create the necessary jobs and bring more people to enjoy a decent quality of life.
"We will pay particular attention to infrastructure development, education, skills and health. We will also pay attention to the development of integrated human settlements and the release of land to many of our people who want to build decent houses for themselves. We will pay much attention to safety, social cohesion and food security for vulnerable households. Lastly, we will pay attention to building a capable, ethical and developmental state," said MEC.
Social Development MEC Thuliswa Nkabinde-Khawe described the level of substance abuse and unemployment in Tshepisoville as shocking and needs rapid action or else the country has no future.
"I want all stakeholders to work together with government to help our young people because government cannot do it alone. This is our children and they need our support," she said.
Emfuleni Local Municipality Reverend Gift Moerane promised community members that there will be zero tolerance of corruption and lack of service delivery to the people under his leadership.
This is in line with Premier Makhura's commitment during his SOPA to spend more time on the ground; resolving service delivery glitches in hospitals, schools, police stations and communities around Gauteng.