Gauteng’s 13 Urgent Priorities: Lesufi’s SOPA Address

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi Unveils Bold “13 Urgent Priorities” in Landmark SOPA Address

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi took centre stage at the Johannesburg City Hall on Monday. He delivered a highly anticipated State of the Province Address (SOPA). The speech blended fiery rhetoric with a 13-point action plan. This plan aimed at rescuing South Africa’s economic heartland from mounting crises. Dubbed the “13 Urgent Priorities,” the blueprint targets everything from crumbling infrastructure to rampant crime. It draws both cautious optimism and sharp criticism from opposition parties and residents alike.

Clad in his signature tailored suit, Lesufi did not mince words as he acknowledged the province’s struggles. “Gauteng is bleeding. We are not broken,” he declared. The statement was met with a mix of applause and murmurs from the crowd. “These 13 urgent priorities are not a wish list. They are our battle plan. Our goal is to restore dignity, safety, and opportunity to every corner of this province.”

Gauteng is bleeding. We are not broken.

A Blueprint for Change: The 13 Urgent Priorities Explained

At the heart of Lesufi’s speech was a granular focus on Gauteng’s most pressing challenges. The 13 urgent priorities span five thematic areas: infrastructure revitalisation, crime eradication, economic recovery, governance reforms, and social development.

1. Ending the “Stone Age” Water Crisis

Lesufi opened with a public apology. He addressed the ongoing water shortages plaguing municipalities like Randfontein and Mogale City. In these areas, residents have endured dry taps for weeks. “No one should queue for water in 2025,” he said, announcing an R8.2 billion investment to upgrade ageing pipelines and fast-track the completion of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project phase two. Rand Water will also deploy emergency response teams to high-risk areas.

2. Crushing Crime Syndicates

Gauteng accounts for 40% of South Africa’s serious crimes. Lesufi revealed that intelligence operations have identified over 400 alleged “crime kingpins.” A new provincial task force will have drone technology. It will also use licence plate recognition systems. This team will target cable theft, cash-in-transit heists, and drug trafficking. “We’re coming for these thugs—no mercy, no retreat,” he vowed.

3. Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

Unemployment remains a festering wound, with youth joblessness nearing 60% in townships. Lesufi pledged to create 250,000 “work opportunities” within 18 months through expanded EPWP programs and partnerships with private-sector giants. Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Tshwane and Ekurhuleni will focus on green energy. They will also concentrate on tech manufacturing. These zones aim to attract R20 billion in investment.

Other priorities include fixing traffic-light vandalism. This is referred to as “anarchy on our roads.” They also include revitalising dysfunctional municipalities. Another priority is expanding the Gautrain network to Soweto, Mamelodi, and Lanseria. This is a R120 billion project set to start in late 2026.

Scepticism and Hope: Mixed Reactions to Lesufi’s Vision

The premier’s promises drew cheers from ANC councillors. Meanwhile, opposition leaders quickly labelled the SOPA a “recycled manifesto of empty promises.”

“This is déjà vu with extra glitter,” said DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga. “Where are the timelines? The budget breakdowns? We’ve heard these 13 urgent priorities before, yet our pipelines still burst and our lights stay off.”

ActionSA’s Herman Mashaba struck a sharper tone: “Lesufi must stop playing Santa Claus. Gauteng needs fewer speeches and more arrests for corruption.”

Still, some civil society groups offered tentative praise. “The focus on crime intelligence and water infrastructure is long overdue,” said Nomsa Dube of the Gauteng Civic Association. “But we’ll hold him accountable—no excuses.”

These 13 urgent priorities are not a wish list. They are our battle plan.

Accountability and Collaboration: The Path Ahead for Gauteng’s 13 Urgent Priorities

Lesufi acknowledged past failures. He unveiled a “War Room” dashboard to track progress on the 13 Urgent Priorities. This will include monthly public updates. “No more hiding,” he said. “Transparency will be our weapon.”

He also called for stronger partnerships with national governments and communities. He urged residents to report vandalism and corruption via a dedicated app. “We can’t fix Gauteng alone,” he said. “This is a collective mission.”

The Road Ahead: Can Lesufi Deliver?

Analysts stay divided. Political economist Dr. Lebo Molefe noted that the premier’s focus is on measurable targets. These targets include reducing water outages by 70% in a year. This focus shows a shift from “vague populism to pragmatism.” Yet, with Gauteng’s finances strained and coalition tensions simmering, implementation hurdles loom large.

For residents like Thabiso Modise, a father of three in Diepsloot, the proof will be in the pipeline repairs. “I’ll believe it when I see water flowing,” he said. “But at least he’s naming the problems. That’s a start.”

As the curtain fell on SOPA 2025, one thing was clear. Lesufi’s 13 urgent priorities have set the stage for a make-or-break year in Gauteng. The clock is ticking.

FAQs About Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s SOPA 2025