Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga has issued a dire warning about the province’s economic future, claiming that continued governance under Premier Panyaza Lesufi will lead to severe economic decline. Msimanga’s critique came during the DA’s “True State of the Province Address,” where he accused Lesufi’s administration of failing to address critical issues such as crime, corruption, and infrastructure decay, which have deterred investment and worsened unemployment.
“Gauteng residents have endured the pain of empty promises, failed service delivery, and false proclamations under Premier Lesufi’s leadership,” Msimanga stated. “His populist strategy has misled residents into believing that meaningful improvements were forthcoming, yet the reality reflects arrogance, broken promises, and denialism.”
Msimanga highlighted Gauteng’s rising unemployment rate, which now stands at 34%, according to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey. He noted that 2,593,000 residents are unemployed, with an additional 572,000 discouraged job seekers. The DA leader blamed the administration’s inability to create a conducive environment for economic growth, stating, “The Gauteng economy is suffering, and investors are not comfortable investing due to numerous challenges that Lesufi’s government has failed to address.”
He also criticized the administration’s lack of transparency, particularly its refusal to release reports implicating officials in maladministration. “Despite bold promises to combat corruption and crime, the Premier refuses to release crucial reports, undermining transparency and accountability,” Msimanga said.
The DA leader took aim at the “Nasi Ispani” employment initiative, calling it an election ploy that failed to deliver sustainable job opportunities. He revealed that many beneficiaries experienced delayed or missing salaries, while approximately 32,000 teacher assistants faced abrupt contract terminations, leaving them without income.
Msimanga also condemned the mismanagement of Special Economic Zones and industrial parks, which he said have deteriorated into junkyards and hubs for criminal activity due to neglect. “Oversight inspections have shown that many industrial parks are in disrepair, reflecting the administration’s failure to maintain and manage these critical economic assets,” he said.
Concluding his address, Msimanga called for urgent action to address these issues, warning that failure to do so would result in further economic decline and hardship for Gauteng residents. He urged a shift towards transparent governance, effective service delivery, and policies that foster economic growth and job creation.
As of now, Premier Lesufi’s office has not responded to Msimanga’s allegations. The DA’s stark warning underscores the growing concerns about Gauteng’s economic trajectory and the need for decisive leadership to reverse the province’s decline.