Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has expressed confidence that his government is doing exceptionally well.
This as the administration, a minority government, is moving towards its first year in office in a month or so.
Lesufi briefed the media at the Gautrain offices in Midrand following a meeting of his provincial government.
The Premier said decision-making has been smooth despite his party the ANC and the not having an outright majority.
“We are thrilled to report that we have been working very well with all political parties. And all the issues that needed to be passed through votes have been passed without any delays Actually, 85% of the decisions that are needed in the legislature have all been passed with overwhelming majority,” said the Premier.
“Because of the parties that are part of the Government of Provincial Unity. We want to thank the political parties that are part of this setup and appreciate their constructive contribution.And there are areas that we know we may differ with them, but we all work together,” said Lesufi of his coalition partners.
Lesufi said he expected the provincial budget to be passed with relative ease.
“And this is a firm commitment that the Government of Provincial Unity is functioning very well and it’s meeting its obligation. And also it’s passing the budget that it needs to pass,” said Lesufi of the province’s budget.
Gauteng had already tabled its budget that the Premier said will now have to be done again in line with the latest allocations by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.
“It has been a headache. The delay in the overall budget on some of the allocations.And we really believe this paves the way for us to re-table our budget.As a province, you would recall, we tabled our budget.Now with the changes that have been effected, we have to go back to the legislature and re-table our budget.But we welcome the tabling of the national budget. And I want to thank the minister for finally concluding this important aspect, said Lesufi about the budget uncertainty.”