Despite 'noise' at SOPA, Gauteng has failed to turn tide in illegal mining - Msimanga
During his State of the Province (SOPA) address last week, Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi insisted that the government was winning the battle against illegal miners known as zama zamas.
On 15 February 2024, DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga delivered what he termed the ‘true state of the province address’. Picture: Thabiso Goba/ Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga says the provincial government has failed to turn the tide on illegal mining.
During his State of the Province (SOPA) address last week, Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi insisted that the government was winning the battle against illegal miners known as zama zamas.
READ: Opposition parties say Lesufi made more unrealistic promises during his SOPA
But speaking at the SOPA debate at the legislature on Thursday morning, Msimanga said Lesufi failed to provide evidence to support his statement.
“I can tell you that if you go to Randfontein, if you go to Carletonville, it is business as usual. The zama zamas are continuing to do what they have been doing. You can continue to make a noise but this is the real state of where things are in the province.”