Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has delivered a comprehensive update highlighting the province’s key milestones in combatting crime, healthcare, finance and infrastructure development.
Lesufi addressed a media briefing on Wednesday morning on the provincial government’s programme of action, pointing to a measured 3.0% decline in contact crimes during the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year.
However, the crime stats release comes as the province was rocked by the discovery of the bodies of eight women in separate incidents across Ekurhuleni.
“This is a heartbreaking and deeply disturbing development that has shocked the province and reminded us of the devastating human cost of violence against women.
“Every woman has the right to live free from fear, violence and harm, and the loss of these lives is a tragedy for their families, loved ones and communities.
“We reaffirm our commitment to supporting law enforcement agencies as they work tirelessly to investigate these incidents, bring those responsible to justice and ensure that the full might of the law is brought to bear against perpetrators of such heinous crimes,” Lesufi said.
Healthcare
Lesufi reported that since June 2026, the roll-out of the bi-annual HIV-prevention injection, Lenacapavir, has seen major traction across 133 health facilities spanning five districts.
“The injection is given twice a year and can reduce the risk of HIV acquisition when used alongside safer-sex practices.
“Between June and August this year, the Department of Health recorded 24 390 new Lenacapavir initiations, ensuring that initiates are protected against HIV for six months,” he noted.
The state purse
Financial governance and consequence management remain top priorities for the provincial administration.
Lesufi confirmed that lifestyle audits targeting Supply Chain Management and Finance officials are well underway.
“The audits are presently underway, with a total of 3671 officials having submitted their lifestyle audit forms. The reports for the Office of the Premier and Gauteng COGTA [Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs] have been finalised.
“I have requested that the SIU [Special Investigating Unit] conduct a comprehensive forensic investigation into the lifestyles of 14 officials from the Office of the Premier [eight officials rated as high risk and six as medium risk] and six officials from Gauteng COGTA [two officials rated as high risk and four as medium risk].
“In total, 20 officials from both OOP [Office of the Premier] and Gauteng COGTA have been referred for further investigation,” the Premier said.
Accountability measures also extended to the long-standing Kopanong Precinct project.
Following a finalised forensic investigation into lease agreements that left state-owned buildings vacant while private properties were rented, the province uncovered irregular expenditure totalling some R558 million.
“[A] forensic investigation has now been concluded, and its findings reveal significant shortcomings in the management of these lease agreements.
“These include the absence of proper procurement or approved deviation processes, weak contract management practices such as automatic lease renewals and repeated month-to-month extensions, and non-compliance with the required approval processes for contract extensions and month-to-month agreements.
“I have noted the findings of the report and will ensure that all its recommendations are implemented as a matter of priority. We remain committed to strengthening governance, improving accountability, and ensuring that public resources are managed efficiently and in the best interests of the people of Gauteng,” Lesufi said.
Addressing infrastructural upgrades, the Premier confirmed that negotiations for a new Gautrain concessionaire have successfully concluded.
“National Treasury has granted all the necessary approvals for the project to reach financial close. This will allow the new concessionaire to start operations on 28 September 2026.
“This is a very exciting phase for the province. New investments in the Gautrain will enable expanded operating hours, expanded taxi routes for feeder services, upgrades to infrastructure at various stations, additional new trainsets, and the introduction of renewable energy.”
Lesufi acknowledged that while challenges remain, the province is actively tackling these issues through coordinated efforts and “strict accountability measures”.
“Challenges remain, including some water supply problems, ongoing public violence, and the rapid growth of informal settlements. The province is actively tackling these issues through efforts like Operation Shanela, digital monitoring tools, and the completion of targeted schools.
“This progress is further supported by strict accountability measures. These include widespread lifestyle audits, forensic investigations such as the Kopanong Precinct inquiry, and reforms in financial management,” Lesufi concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
