Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has laid out an ambitious roadmap to reshape the province by 2029, unveiling strict performance targets for MECs and departmental heads. The agreements, signed on 27 August, aim to hold the provincial government accountable while giving residents a clear picture of what to expect over the next five years.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!“These agreements represent a social contract between the provincial government and the people of Gauteng,” Lesufi said as he made the targets public. “By sharing them openly, we’re ensuring accountability and transparency.”
Infrastructure and Development: A Bold Push
Infrastructure remains central to the province’s vision. MEC Jacob Mamabolo has been tasked with building 10 additional schools on top of the five already planned, refurbishing 54 educational facilities, and investing R643 million in social infrastructure maintenance.
The department must also refurbish 18 government buildings, lease 50 unused properties, and oversee 164 green energy installations. When allocating procurement funds, 82% must go to black-owned businesses, with 40% and 30% allocated to women and youth-owned enterprises respectively.
Roads and Transport: Faster Fixes and New Roads
One of the most notable targets is for the Department of Roads and Transport to repair 95% of potholes within 72 hours and ensure 186 traffic signals remain operational.
The department also plans to:
- Launch five new smart licensing centres
- Build seven vehicle impound facilities
- Construct 57 km of new roads
A feasibility study and route determination for expanding Gauteng’s rapid rail network are also on the cards, with a high-speed link to Limpopo forming part of the long-term vision.
Housing and Economic Growth
MEC Tasneem Motara’s Human Settlements department will make major strides in tackling housing backlogs. By 2029, the province plans to:
- Build 39 427 new housing units
- Develop 21 136 service sites
- Install 24 635 municipal engineered services
- Convert five municipal hostels into residential units
- Move 3 000 households from informal settlements
- Register 48 760 title deeds
On the economic front, MEC Lebogang Maile has been given R18 billion to drive job creation and investment. Targets include 9 950 new jobs in special economic zones, 49 000 tourism jobs, 6 250 youth opportunities, and supporting 10 000 SMMEs.
Education, Sport, Arts and Culture
MEC Matome Chiloane’s dual portfolio aims to transform education and community development. By 2029, the department plans to open 52 “schools of the future” and expand early childhood development access.
On the cultural and sporting side, the province aims to support 170 cultural programmes, 36 sporting events, and provide training to over 5 500 athletes. In addition, 4 230 non-fee-paying schools will receive extracurricular sports support, and 3 335 schools will be equipped with sporting gear.
Other Key Departmental Goals
- Health: Build one new hospital, refurbish six neonatal units, and deploy 150 mobile units.
- Environment: Rehabilitate or restore 29 600 hectares of land.
- Community Safety: Conduct 451 848 crime prevention operations over four years and halve road fatalities by 2030.
- Social Development: Expand services to vulnerable communities.
A New Era of Accountability
Lesufi stressed that these targets are legally binding and tied to departmental budgets and performance plans. By setting clear expectations, the provincial government hopes to strengthen service delivery and restore public trust.
“This is not just a document it’s a promise to the people of Gauteng,” Lesufi emphasized.
With potholes set to be fixed in record time, traffic lights working, and new infrastructure projects lined up, Gauteng’s 2029 vision is ambitious. The true test, however, will be turning those promises into tangible results.
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