Midvaal Local Municipality has once again taken the spotlight, after Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi congratulated it for being the shining municipality in Gauteng.

During the State of the Province Address (SoPA), Lesufi complimented the municipality for having a strong belief in Integrated Governmental Relations and participation in provincial programmes.

Lesufi shared excitement about a multi-billion-rand development set to deliver 18 000 homes and support the accommodation of more than 70 000 residents in Savanna City.
The project is expected to create over 54 000 temporary jobs during construction and over 12 000 permanent jobs.

Touching on other municipalities, Lesufi thanked Lesedi Local Municipality for leading on the Vaal SEZ and ensuring that bulk services are unlocked. The Vaal SEZ is expected to contribute over R10 billion to the Gauteng economy and create a new City in the Vaal.

“We must deal with the illicit trade that continues to cripple our economy. British American Tobacco South Africa (BATSA) announced its intention to completely close its manufacturing plant in Heidelberg.

“The company attributes its decision largely to the persistent growth of the illicit cigarette trade in the country, which has significantly eroded its market share and revenues. Together with the police, we are intensifying the protection of our manufacturing and retail sectors. Already, we have confiscated counterfeit goods valued at R250.2 million last year, and we will continue to strengthen this approach.”

In Emfuleni Local Municipality, Lesufi mentioned the recent roll-out of 145 new vehicles geared towards service delivery, with the fleet including vehicles for traffic and bylaws, waste management, electrical, and road maintenance.

Touching on governing issues, Lesufi stated that the governing party is proposing changes in some municipalities under its control.

“A motion of no confidence was tabled by the Pan-Africanist Congress of Azania against the Executive Mayor of Sedibeng. These developments create governance challenges in the region.”

Lesufi said the discussions with the leadership of the affected municipalities have already been scheduled, in which all the matters would be resolved.