Ramaphosa condemns state of Gauteng: ‘Without it, SA can not succeed’

President Cyril Ramaphosa recently condemned the poor state of the Gauteng province despite its critical importance to the South African economy.

Despite this, the region is plagued with service delivery issues, something Ramaphosa has warned will have dire consequences for the nation.

Ramaphosa insists SA will not succeed if Gauteng fails

Certainly, Ramaphosa has voiced his concerns over Gauteng’s future despite the immense power wielded by the region. He explained:

“It is the single most critical economic hub in the country, serving as a powerhouse of finance, governance, industry and innovation.” Ramaphosa on Gauteng.

Ramaphosa has made it clear that the sustainability of Gauteng is critical to ensuring the country’s economic success.

“The economic success of Gauteng is, in the end, integral to the economic success of our country. If Gauteng fails, South Africa cannot succeed.” The president warned.

Ramaphosa’s comments are a reaction to his time in the province during the G20 summit, which he highlighted as ‘displeasing’.

“The environment that one observed was not a pleasing environment. I say this so that we can improve immensely. As South Africans we are proud people and let us let that pride that we have, self-pride, lift us up so that we do present a G20 that will wow people.” The President concluded.

Joburg mayor facing backlash over prioritising G20 infrastructure repairs

Interestingly, Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero is facing a huge backlash over his comments that the city would prioritise infrastructure related to the G20 summit.

During a briefing earlier this month, Morero stated that the city would be prioritising routes that the G20 representatives will use during their stay in South Africa.

“We are doing our level best, we’ve prioritised certain routes within Johannesburg which are G20 routes, to ensure that at least we can make them the standard that they should be; no potholes, no traffic signals that aren’t working. So, we’re focusing on that,” he said.

This prompted fierce uproar from residents, with some even demanding that the mayor resign in response to the situation.

Many felt that prioritising only certain areas while many parts of the city need critical interventions, was insulting to citizens who live in the area.

Water crisis prompts EFF protest

In fact, just this week the Economic Freedom Fighters protested against the water crisis in the Gauteng province. Just days ahead of Ramaphosa’s negative review of the province, the party was highlighting the need for access to this ‘basic human right’ to be prioritised.

Interestingly, EFF MP Carl Niehaus claimed that privileged regions were being prioritised while poverty-stricken residents were allegedly left unserviced.

With Ramaphosa himself stepping in to acknowledge the crisis in Gauteng, there remains little doubt that urgent interventions are needed.

Have you recently visited Gauteng? What was your experience?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.

Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.