Ladies and gentlemen
Welcome to this media briefing, whose purpose is to update the media and the public on matters related to governance, as well as ongoing efforts to strengthen and improve service delivery across the province The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG), remains committed to growing the economy, delivering on the G-13 priorities and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state. Since SOPA 2026, we have taken comprehensive steps to strengthen governance and improve service delivery.
People centred budget
We have delivered a people-centred budget. Eighty-five percent of the Gauteng budget is directed to social spending, with health, education, and social development as provincial priorities. This allocation is aimed at improving the quality of life across the province.
To complement this, we launched the GCR-EDP 2030. This is a roadmap aimed at accelerating inclusive economic growth, driving re-industrialisation, attracting investment, supporting entrepreneurship, and creating sustainable jobs. Together, these initiatives balance protecting the social wage, while building a competitive economy for the future.
Water supply interventions
To respond to the water disruptions that peaked about six weeks ago, the provincial government took coordinated steps to address this problem, including rolling out an Operations Centre, led by MEC Jacob Mamabolo, to coordinate with national entities and municipalities. Some of its short-term measures included pressure management, leak repairs, and management of water tankers.
As we committed during the State of the Province Address, the construction of a new ground reservoir and tower in Brixton has been successfully concluded, alongside the completion of an emergency boosting pumping station. These projects are already making a tangible difference in strengthening water provision across Johannesburg’s suburbs.
But this is only the beginning. As the Gauteng Provincial Government, we are resolute in our mission to secure reliable, sustainable, and equitable water supply for all our residents. We will continue to invest in modern infrastructure, expand capacity, and work tirelessly to ensure that every household, every business, and every community has access to the water they need. Water is life, and we are committed to protecting this lifeline for generations to come.
We congratulate the City of Ekurhuleni for achieving a clean sweep at the 2026 Department of Water and Sanitation Awards, earning national recognition across the Blue Drop (drinking water quality), Green Drop (wastewater management), and No Drop (water conservation) programmes. The city secured six Gold-level Green Drop certifications for treatment plants in Benoni, Daveyton, Welgedacht and others, while claiming 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for top-performing wastewater systems nationally.
We also congratulate the Midvaal Local Municipality for winning a total of two awards for excellence in wastewater management and infrastructure upgrades.
This recognition and awards to our municipalities is confirmation that our joint efforts of working with all municipalities are yielding positive results. While we celebrate these achievements, we do acknowledge that we still have a lot of work to do to improve the state of water and sanitation provision in our province.
Accelerated housing delivery
| While occasional shortages and maintenance backlogs persist, these interventions have brought significant stabilisation across our province. These interventions align and support progress toward long-term |
| resilience as we prepare for the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase |
In our human settlements programme, we have prioritised land release and housing handovers. Since SOPA 2026, we have proudly handed over 440 new housing units across Gauteng with 188 walk-up units in Benoni, and 132 units in Lesedi. Last month we saw a handover of 148 homes in Clayville and 120 units in Affrivillage/Droogeheuwel.
Each set of keys represents more than just bricks and mortar; it is the restoration of dignity, the assurance of shelter, and the promise of stability for families who can now call these houses their homes. These projects are a testament to our unwavering commitment to building communities where every resident has the right to safe and decent living conditions.
Equally transformative has been the delivery of more than 3,000 title deeds, with over 1,000 in Ratanda and close to 2,000 in Impumelelo. A title deed is more than a piece of paper—it is a guarantee of ownership, a safeguard of security, and a foundation for generational wealth. By placing these deeds in the hands of our people, we are not only affirming their rightful place in society but also empowering them with the confidence that comes from true ownership. This is how we build a Gauteng where dignity is restored, security is assured, and opportunity is unlocked for all. The 2026/27 budget has allocated funding for serviced land, mega projects, and 8 644 new houses, as part of the expansion of integrated human settlements.
Gautrain
We are pleased that the Gautrain, which is valued at over R45 billion as of 2026 has now been handed over to the Gauteng Provincial Government. This stands as one of South Africa’s most valuable public transport assets. This historic milestone ensures that the people of Gauteng have direct ownership of one of Africa’s most advanced rail systems.
We are in the final stages of negotiations with the preferred bidder who will operate, maintain, refurbish, upgrade, and modernise the Gautrain for the next 15 years. Once concluded, a new concessionaire will be officially appointed. Importantly, we reaffirm our commitment to the Public‐Private Partnership model, which has consistently delivered efficiency, innovation, and world‐class service. This approach guarantees seamless continuity while unlocking new opportunities for expansion and modernisation.
Combating hunger and poverty
Last month, we opened a government-run food distribution centre in Centurion, the first one of its kind. It supports more than 400,000 people through the Fetsa Tlala – Leaving No One Behind programme. Food parcels are given first to child-headed households, unemployed people, and those with medical needs. The centre has created about 70 jobs for young people, with more to come, and provides skills training and connections to economic opportunities. Because the government manages this model, it improves accountability and capacity. For the 2026/27 financial year, we will continue to fund NPOs that focus on sustainable ways for people to support themselves.
Combating crime
We are pleased with the deployment of the South Africa National Defence (SANDF) in our province to collaborate with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to intensify efforts to stabilise communities affected by violent and organised crime in Gauteng.
Crime remains a serious concern for the provincial government and for many residents across the province. Therefore, strengthening crime prevention interventions remains a priority. Law enforcement agencies will continue to enhance coordinated operations across Gauteng.
This includes intensified patrols, intelligence-driven operations and increased police visibility by the SAPS, the Gauteng Traffic Police, Metro Police Departments, Gauteng Traffic Wardens and Community Patrollers amongst others.
Changes in the Gauteng Executive Council
It is public knowledge that since the beginning of the 7th Administration after the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, the Gauteng Government of Provincial Unity was constituted through the following political parties, African National Congress (ANC), Patriotic Alliance (PA), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), and Rise Mzansi. With a Legislature of 80 members, instability was a worrying factor, when the Democratic Alliance tabled a motion of no confidence. Even though this motion was overwhelmingly rejected by all parties in the legislature the possible instability was going to be the hallmark of this administration. Last week, the adoption of the Adjustment Budget was delayed by a week due to disagreements with political parties within the legislature.
It is within this context that the national leadership of the ANC gave us a go ahead to engage other political parties to strengthen the Executive Council. We engaged with several political parties, including the DA, EFF and Umkhonto We Sizwe and after broad consultations, we decided to make changes that add the Economic Freedom Fighters into the Executive Council.
The Executive Council will be constituted as follows:
- e-Government:Mr.BonginkosiDlamini(IFP)
- Education and Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation: Mr. Lebogang
Maile (ANC)
- Transport,Roads and Logistics:MsKediboneDiale-Tlabela(ANC)
- Economic Development and Agriculture and RuralDevelopment:Ms.
Vuyiswa Ramokgopa (Rise Mzansi)
- Finance:Mr.Nkululeko Dunga(EFF)
- Health and Wellness:Ms.Faith Mazibuko(ANC)
- HumanSettlements:Ms.Tasneem Motara(ANC)
- Environment:Mr.EwanBotha(PatrioticAlliance)
- Infrastructure Development and Cooperative Governance and
Traditional Affairs: Mr. Jacob Mamabolo (ANC)
10.Department of Social Development: Ms Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko
Readiness for the 2026 Gauteng Investment Conference
We can confirm that the provincial government is ready for the Gauteng Investment Conference (GIC 2026), scheduled to take place on 9 April 2026 at Melrose Arch, Johannesburg.
The proposed investment objectives align with the SOPA and the provincial Budget Speech with the emphasis on converting investor interest into bankable, execution-ready projects. Overall, the priority is to guarantee the implementation of investment pledges to ensure tangible economic outcomes for the people of Gauteng.
We are excited that most of the investment pledges raised at the SA Investment Conference will be realised in our province.
Easter road safety campaign
We wish all Gauteng residents a Happy Easter Holidays and urge all travellers to prioritise road safety this Easter. Following a 42% reduction in road fatalities over Easter 2025, we remain committed to our goal of zero deaths.
Safety is a shared responsibility and with high traffic volumes across Gauteng, we must all act to prevent accidents. Our Easter Safety Plan has already been activated, and it includes intensified law enforcement, zero-tolerance for drunk driving, pedestrian safety campaigns, infrastructure repairs, and a multi-agency crash response.
We welcome the relief on the fuel levy announced by the Minister of Finance, which comes as a much-needed reprieve for motorists. Gauteng, being the economic hub of South Africa, is home to the highest concentration of vehicles in the country. This intervention will directly benefit millions of our residents, ease the cost-of-living pressures, and support the movement of goods and services across our province. We appeal to public transport operators, fleet owners, and liquor outlets to act responsibly. Every life lost is one too many. Let us work together for safe journeys this Easter.
PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS AN UNEDITED STATEMENT.
