Gauteng 2025 State of the Province Address
A Blueprint for Growth and Development
The 2025 State of the Province Address (SOPA), delivered by Premier Panyaza Lesufi in Tshwane, Pretoria, set the stage for a transformative year ahead for Gauteng. With the Government of Provincial Unity at the helm, the address emphasized a unified approach to tackling pressing issues while driving inclusive growth, job creation, and socio-economic development.
Economic Growth and Job Creation
Premier Lesufi highlighted the province’s impressive economic resilience, with Gauteng maintaining a robust 2.4% growth rate post-COVID, outperforming the national average. Major initiatives include:
- Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ): A flagship manufacturing hub producing over 200,000 Ford Rangers annually, employing over 8,000 people, and supporting 229 SMMEs.
- Phase 2 Expansion: An additional R6.1 billion in private investment and R3.95 billion from government partnerships will create 4,000 construction jobs and 2,150 permanent positions.
- Investment Attraction: Gauteng secured R180 billion in commitments during the 2023 investment conference, with a target of R800 billion in new pledges over the next three years.
Addressing the ‘Gauteng 13’ Challenges
Premier Lesufi laid out strategies to tackle the province’s 13 most pressing issues:
- Water: Urgent interventions include restoring power to critical pumping stations and upgrading municipal infrastructure in anticipation of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
- Cable Theft and Vandalism: Over 1,000 scrap yards shut down, and new tech logs will monitor infrastructure tampering.
- Non-Functional Traffic Lights: Immediate repairs and intelligent traffic systems are being deployed.
- Potholes: Major road upgrades and a 72-hour pothole repair commitment aim to improve transportation.
- Crime and Lawlessness: Surveillance on 442 crime kingpins, expanded air wing operations, and thousands of new CCTV cameras have reduced major crimes.
- Informal Settlements: Demolition of illegal shacks and the Ikageleng Rapid Release Programme provide legal housing options.
- Electricity: R1.2 billion invested in energy infrastructure, including renewable projects and microgrids.
- Gender-Based Violence and Femicide: Partnerships with universities and community outreach programs are in place, alongside the distribution of 80,000 e-panic buttons.
- Drug Abuse: Establishment of state-owned rehabilitation facilities and youth-led anti-drug initiatives.
- Hospitals and Clinics: Upgrades to 38 clinics for 24-hour service, expanded mobile clinics, and digitization of health records.
- Lack of Schools: R2.5 billion allocated to build 18 new schools, with notable improvements in township education.
- Failing Infrastructure: Revitalization of CBDs, including Johannesburg’s Park Station Precinct, and the construction of South Africa’s largest mall in Langlaagte.
- Unemployment: A combined total of 832,150 jobs and opportunities will be created across sectors, including infrastructure, tourism, and education.
Read: Gauteng Investment Conference
Infrastructure and Transport
- Gautrain Expansion: R120 billion investment to extend the Gautrain network to key areas like Soweto and Lanseria.
- Limpopo-Gauteng Speed Train: Plans are underway for a high-speed rail link between Gauteng and Limpopo.
- Freight and Logistics: Development of a freight data bank and warehouse management systems to boost efficiency.
Read: New Bullet Train from Gauteng to Limpopo – What to Expect from SA’s High-Speed Rail Project
Tourism and Cultural Development
- Tourism Growth: Gauteng welcomed 3.8 million international tourists in 2024, contributing R41.3 billion to the economy.
- Cultural Rebirth: A new concert venue near FNB Stadium and revitalized CBDs are attracting global and local events.
Poverty Alleviation and Social Development
- e-Indigent Register: A new system to streamline service delivery to those in need.
- Homelessness Initiatives: Establishment of safe spaces and skills development programs for the homeless.
- Food Security: The upcoming state-run food distribution center will serve Sedibeng, West Rand, and Johannesburg.
Good Governance and Ethics
- Municipal Improvements: Audit outcomes improved, with several municipalities achieving clean audits.
- Lifestyle Audits: Extended to Supply Chain Management officials to enhance transparency.
- Wi-Fi Expansion: Over 68 Wi-Fi hotspots connected, with plans for 157 more across townships.
Looking Ahead
Gauteng is poised for a transformative year, with Premier Lesufi’s SOPA outlining a comprehensive strategy to tackle socio-economic challenges while fostering growth. The upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit in November 2025 will further solidify Gauteng’s role as Africa’s economic powerhouse, bringing global attention and opportunities to the province.
Premier Lesufi’s closing message emphasized unity and collaboration: “Let us work together as partners to put our province back on track and accelerate the fight against poverty, unemployment, and inequality.”
With clear priorities, substantial investments, and a commitment to inclusive growth, Gauteng is on a promising path towards a more prosperous and equitable future.
