23/10/2026
Another R16 billion promise. Account for the last ones first.Solly Msimanga MPL says Premier Lesufi’s “mandate” to raise R16 billion for the Johannesburg C*D overhaul risks becoming another electioneering gimmick. Residents, workers and business owners live with urban decay, unsafe streets and deteriorating infrastructure.In the 2026 SOPA Lesufi announced an R8 billion, 30-month programme to refurbish 18 government-owned buildings and create more than 2,500 construction jobs. A walk in the C*D shows the gap between the announcement and visible progress. He must account for jobs created, buildings refurbished, and money committed.The Amapanyaza cost half a billion. The Public Protector found their deployment lacked a lawful basis. The Gauteng Traffic Police Airwing contract, worth about R197.5 million, was terminated in January 2026 after roughly R156.4 million had been paid. No officials have been held accountable. On e-tolls, he announced the end, then residents were left to foot the R20.086 billion debt.A DA-led Gauteng government would publish a costed C*D revitalisation plan with clear deadlines, transparent funding, measurable targets and regular progress reports. Practical delivery, not headlines.
Read more: https://dagauteng.org.za/2026/10/lesufis-mandate-to-raise-r16-billion-for-johannesburg-cbd-overhaul-another-electioneering-gimmick
