David Makhura, Premier of the Gauteng province, has disclosed on Monday that the province still contributing 35% to the country's economy. It has also attracted ZAR30 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), maintaining its position as the country's economic hub.
Makhura has disclosed the information while delivering State of the Province address at the Saul Tsotetsi Sports Complex in Sebokeng. The premier has focused on the global economic crisis contributing to the ailing rand. He has also expressed satisfaction over Gauteng economy despite global recession, reports Eyewitness News.
The Gauteng Premier has delivered speech in a jam-packed hall. The audiences include struggled heroes Ahmed Kathrada and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. Ms. Mandella has been accompanied by her daughter Zindzi Mandela, according to a report published in Fin24.
Rapid urbanization has been cited as challenge to Gauteng by Makhura. Around 1 million people have moved into the province during the period from 2011 to 2016. The provincial resources have been strained immensely with the intrusion, reports BDLive. The premier has also focused on job creation and interventions required to stabilize the economy of the province. He has also briefed the audience on his provincial government's plans for building a modern and innovative Gauteng. According to his disclosure, Gauteng economy has been growing at 42%, which is above the national average. Makhura has also spoken about racism and xenophobia. He has narrated his planning for appointing a group of people to work with civic society for removal of racism and xenophobia from South Africa. The premier has also confirmed that Gauteng economy is capable of creating more job opportunities ignoring tough global and domestic environment. The provincial leader has expressed satisfaction over the township economy revitalization strategy. The provincial government has spent ZAR1.8 billion on procuring goods and services from township enterprises. Around 805 township enterprises have been benefiting from the planned spending. The '11 Economic Freedom Fighters' members of the Gauteng legislature have disrupted the address proceedings. They have chanted slogans while holding placards against South African President Jacob Zuma and his close ally Gupta family. The proceedings has been interrupted to draw audiences' attention towards police violence, narrates Mandisa Mashego, EFF Gauteng caucus leader, while speaking to the journalists.
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