Sopa 2026: Lesufi speaks about the state of municipalities in Gauteng: Which town is the worst?

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi. Picture: Nigel Sibanda Despite the collapsing service delivery in most of Gauteng’s municipalities, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says the ANC-led coalitions around the province are improving the lives of residents. He was speaking at the state of the province address (Sopa) in the south of Johannesburg on Monday evening.

“Let us face it; local government is the backbone of service delivery, and yet this is exactly where we are most challenged as government,” he said. Lesufi said he is concerned about the latest fallout between the ruling parties in the City of Ekurhuleni. But he says he had been assured that governance is stable.

“In our discussions with the leadership of the municipality, we have been assured that these governance challenges will be resolved without further delay.” He also welcomed the municipality’s decision to take steps against municipal officials who were implicated in the hearings at the Madlanga commission. A number of officials in this municipality have been accused of colluding with criminal elements. He said this municipality has invested in a new fleet that will strengthen service delivery, especially in areas like refuse removal, road maintenance, and law enforcement.

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He also said this municipality demonstrated its commitment to reclaim hijacked buildings. “Both Pharoe Park and Airport Park have been reclaimed through eviction and municipal enforcement operations,” he said. Lesufi said the governing coalition in Tshwane has no outstanding payments owed to Eskom and Rand Water.

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