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Gauteng Premier David Makhura has assured residents that they will see improved delivery capacity by all departments over the next few months as his current term of office ends.

Introducing the Office of the Premier’s Annual Report on Friday at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Makhura said government has adopted delivery targets on all key performances areas that address the needs of citizens. These include the economy and jobs; education and skills; health and social development; public transport, housing and infrastructure development as well as fighting crime and corruption.

“These delivery targets and timeframes will be made public through the delivery agreements that I have signed with all MECs and Heads of Department (HODs).

“You will see greater delivery and increased levels of engagement with citizens and various sectors of our population. Every MEC and HoD will be held accountable for the delivery improvements and transformation targets we have set for each department,” said Makhura.

The Premier noted that between May 2014 and December 2016, the Gauteng government greatly improved the quality of governance and administration. Improvements were noted in the following areas, clean audits, drastic reduction of corruption through the open tender system, rapid response through Ntirhisano and enhanced accountability on delivery through the Delivery Unit.

“We are also building a record of being an accountable, responsive and clean government in Gauteng. Our achievements with regard to improving the quality of governance and administration are both irrefutable and indisputable,” he said.

In the 2016/17 financial year, two-thirds of Gauteng departments and entities have achieved clean audits. These are the best audit outcomes in fourteen years – an improvement of 9% in 3 years from 56% in 2014/15 to 65% in 2016/17.

Makhura said his administration was committed to tackling unemployment, poverty and inequality through its radical programme of transformation, modernisation and re-industrialisation.

He further noted that although there were many national and global developments that have impacted negatively on the performance of Gauteng with regard to the economy, the province continues to work hard with municipalities and the private sector to mitigate the negative effects of job losses and increased levels of poverty.

In addition, Premier Makhura, Health Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi and MEC for Health, Gwen Ramokgopa have been working hard to address and resolve all matters raised by the Health Ombud following the Life Esidimeni tragedy.

Former Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke has been appointed on mutual agreement with affected families to be the mediator. Makhura said he was confident that Chief Justice Moseneke would conclude the mediation process as soon possible.

In addition, the provincial government is working with Transport Minister, Joe Maswanganyi to finalise and resolve the matter of e-tolls.

“We have made it clear that we have done our best at provincial level. The final solution must come from our national government. We cannot allow our province to be pulled down by factors that have nothing to do with our administration. We must and we are standing up for the people of our province,” said Makhura.

Issued by Gauteng Provincial Government