First, he gave us 6,000 crime fighters. Then he promised to deliver thousands of jobs for young people in the province. Now, it has emerged Panyaza Lesufi’s Gauteng government spent R65m on 400 internships.
It is understandable that Lesufi’s government should be concerned about crime and unemployment. After all, most of the unemployed people live in Gauteng. However, what is less understandable are some of the schemes that the government has implemented to achieve its objectives. Months after their deployment in Gauteng’s townships, there is no evidence that criminality is on the decline.
Poor communities such as residents of Diepsloot still live in fear of criminals. Worse, some of these crime wardens have crashed new vehicles. Their powers in relation to statutory police forces remain unclear.
Of even greater concern is the lack of clarity about the source of the funds for these schemes. During an election year, the opposition is correct to worry about Gauteng’s governing party — the ANC — using taxpayers’ money to shore up its electoral prospects.
Before this matter becomes a political football, Lesufi should take South Africans into his confidence about these schemes. We need to know where the funds come from; how it was possible to spend R65m on 400 internships; and the effect of these schemes on crime.
Critically, we need the assurance that the schemes are not benefiting ANC members only.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.