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Gauteng Premier, David Makhura held his first one on one meetings with the Executive Mayors of Gauteng Metropolitan Cities today, following the local government elections and constituting of new council in the 11 municipalities.

This collaborative and cooperative relationship between different spheres of government is a constitutional imperative, which is based on the best interests of the people of the Gauteng Province.

The first one on one was with the Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Herman Mashaba, followed by the Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni, Mzwandile Masina. The meetings were productive, cordial and have paved the way for a close collaborative and cooperative relationship between the Cities and the Province.

During the meetings, the following issues were discussed:

Economic Collaboration: high on the agenda was the need to address unemployment and achieving inclusive economic growth to which there was a shared commitment.

Inner City regeneration projects:  where collaboration around issues of policing, housing and clean environments would produce better results, there was mutual commitment that these projects must be prioritised to unlock the potential of inner cities. In this regard it was agreed that a working group of MMCs and MECs will be established as a matter of urgency.

Housing Collaboration:  the allocation of completed houses from both provincial and municipal governments and the speeding up of the issuing of title deeds must be prioritised.

Health Collaboration: the province will support municipalities who have been delegated to provide primary healthcare.

Public Transport: there must be greater support in terms of coordination and integration of public transport initiatives between the cities and the entire province.

Municipal Debt Management:  to ensure that monies owed to municipalities are recovered, including resolving disputes pertaining to the billing system by the debt management committee composed of both the treasuries of the cities and the province.

“The cities play an important role in building sustainable and inclusive economies”, the said Makhura.

He added that the provincial government views the cities as key contributors in achieving the bold vision of building Gauteng into a globally competitive city region.
Both Makhura and the mayors appreciated the spirit of the meeting and commitment to a good working relationship that will benefit the people of Gauteng Province.

Later this afternoon, Premier Makhura will meet with the Mayor of Tshwane, Solly Masimanga and other mayors in October to discuss similar matters of mutual concern and public interest.

Following these meetings, the Premier will visit the cities to discuss their detailed plans and share with them the plans of the Gauteng Provincial Government.

Issued by Gauteng Provincial Government