Issued by: Gauteng Provincial Government
SPEECH BY PREMIER TOKYO SEXWALE
LAUNCH OF THE GAUTENG GOVERNMENT PRECINCT
20 October 1995
Today is a memorable day for Gauteng. It is the day on which we formally establish ourselves as government in our provincial capital of Johannesburg. Yes, we already have our legislative arms here, operating from the Provincial Legislature behind me. For several months, members of the various political parties have been debating vital issues, and passing new laws, from this building. It was one of the decisions by the Legislature which led to our meeting here today: the decision, taken last year, that Johannesburg is the provincial capital of this new province called Gauteng.
Although it took some time for the decision to be taken, it was an obvious one. After all, Johannesburg is fairly close to the geographic centre-point of the province.
But there are bigger reasons. Johannesburg is also the nerve-centre of finance, commerce and industry, not just in Gauteng but in South Africa. This city is home to the stock Exchange, and to more than 50% of South Africa's corporate headquarters. It houses the banks, the mining houses, the media institutions. It is, more than anything, the city that makes the South African economy tick. And for our government, which is deeply committed to the growth of the economy, and the resulting development and upliftment of our people, there can be no better place to be.
Johannesburg is the cockpit of government. From here, we are driving the overall development of Gauteng, moulding it into the Lion of Africa.
We are attracting foreign investors, broadening the economy, developing joint ventures between foreign investors and local business, and empowering small business. We are creating jobs - not just for the people of Johannesburg, Alex or Soweto, but for all the people of the province.
Our overall objective is clear: to achieve maximum economic growth and development in Gauteng. It is our priority as part of South Africa's national growth and development strategy.
Obviously, the safety and security of everyone who lives and works in Johannesburg is paramount. The same applies to visitors to our capital city. So we are working closely with the SAPS on visible policing projects in the city centre, in the suburbs and the townships to ensure that this is a secure place to be.
So here we are. Our Provincial Service Commission is already in place, at 111 Commissioner Street.
Many of our departments will soon start to move into offices just two or three blocks away from here - our health department, our housing department, and so on. We will have over 3 000 trained people here, in the city centre, managing the affairs of government and ensuring the provision of quality service to the public. In addition, we will have our regional offices in Soweto, Pretoria, the East Rand, the Vaal and so on.
My own office is currently situated a few blocks away, at 30 Simmonds Street. Within the next 18 months or so, we will be moving here, to the old Rissik Street Post Office. In that office, we will have a range of corporate services, the Director-General's office, and my own support staff. It will be the nerve centre of government.
That step will complete the first phase of the development of this new area, the Gauteng Government Precinct, which is bounded by Sauer Street in the west, President Street in the north, Market Street in the south, and Eloff Street in the east.
There will be further stages after this, we are sure, as we continue with our urban renewal programme with the Greater Johannesburg TMC, and as the private sector becomes even more involved in the revitalisation of Johannesburg. We are signing a declaration today, a declaration of intent, which indicates our commitment to this city.
We believe our presence in the city confirms the confidence that government has in Johannesburg, and trust that our confidence will be matched by some of thegs and headed north to Midrand, or even further afield. Come to where the action is - come to Johannesburg, one of the greatest cities on the African continent, and capital city of Gauteng.
Finally, we wish to pay tribute to our athletes and artists who are participating in this day of fun and celebration, and everyone who worked so hard to make it happen.
We pay particular tribute to the group of athletes who represented South Africa in the recent All-Africa Games in Harare, who are here to day and who took part in the fun-run around our precinct. Like Gauteng, you, our local heroes, are true winners, and we salute you for your achievements and for holding high our country's flag.