Panyaza Lesufi pledges to boost service delivery following G20 Summit success

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has committed his administration to continue maintaining the momentum from the G20 Summit, with key priorities being accelerated service delivery and intensified crime-fighting efforts in the province.

Lesufi addressed the media during the post-G20 Summit briefing at the provincial legislature on Tuesday. He further revealed that his team plans to build on the legacy and success of the recently concluded summit, enabling the province to achieve consistent service delivery.

The gathering held at the Nasrec Conference and Expo Centre on Saturday and Sunday was hailed as a monumental success, having managed to achieve a leader's declaration despite a public boycott by US President Donald Trump.

Besides a positive economic spin-off, reported to be between R1 billion and R3 billion, Lesufi said there are many lessons to be learned to ensure that the province continues to attract big events and investment from global investors.

"Our biggest achievement wasn’t just readiness; it was the coordination model: weekly G20 integrated reporting, joint work across spheres, and visible delivery on roads, lights, verges, utilities, and security in record time," he said.

Following the summit's success, a more comprehensive economic impact report will be presented early next year.

This report, according to Lesufi — who was accompanied by MECs Lebogang Maile (Economic Development), Jacob Mamabolo (Infrastructure), and Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko (Health) — will detail the economic spin-offs generated by the G20 Summit.

"The provincial government is already pleased with the preliminary projections from the National Department of Tourism that the province has made an estimated R1 billion from the thousands of delegates and journalists who visited the province over the weekend. The summit did not just bring a large influx of visitors, including heads of state, delegates, and media, which created a surge in demand for hotels, transportation, and local businesses in the hospitality and retail sectors," he added.

Gauteng Police Commissioner Major General Tommy Mthombeni reported on the arrests and crime prevention efforts implemented to ensure a safe G20 Summit.

Police apprehended 13 individuals in and around Johannesburg for various criminal offences. Among these cases was the arrest of six suspects in Sandton for cellphone theft, which involved an international attendee from Vietnam.

Lesufi attributed the success of this case to the use of technology, CCTV, and facial recognition, which he said were instrumental in bringing these suspects to book.

"We are now punching numbers with the provincial commissioner. There was a lot of overtime, lots of resources, and lots of cars that were needed. We said to the police commissioner, we want to continue with the visibility of the police. The mere fact that someone steals a cellphone in a store, and within four hours we have arrested those people, using CCTV and face recognition, means we can enforce law enforcement," Lesufi said.

The premier further commended President Cyril Ramaphosa for his decision to host an inclusive summit, which carried not only the hopes of South Africa, as a country, but the entire continent.

"President Cyril Ramaphosa’s progressive decision to involve the African continent was an inspired one because the province’s proximity to Southern African Development Community nations makes it the gateway to the African Continental Free Trade Area, as we export 31% of all our exports to Africa. This strategic positioning makes the province an ideal hub for continental trade," he added.

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