Gauteng a shell of its former self, says DA

JOHANNESBURG - The Democratic Alliance (DA) has described the Gauteng province a shell of what used to be a place bustling with economic opportunities. 
 
The party said the country's economic hub had been stifled by persistent load shedding and bad governance. 
 
On Thursday, DA Gauteng leader, Solly Msimanga, was set to deliver what he termed the "true State of the Province Address" at the Johannesburg Country Club. 
 
The event serves as a precursor to the real State of the Province Address, which will be delivered by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi next Monday. 
 
Gauteng has been identified as a swing province in the upcoming general elections, with the African National Congress (ANC) having won it by a narrow 50.19% in 2019. 
 
DA Gauteng premier candidate Solly Msimanga said Thursday’s address would provide a true assessment of the dire state of the province. 
 
He said Gauteng residents continued to endure poor service delivery, a high unemployment rate and crime.
 
Msimang said his party would outline real solutions to rescue Gauteng and return it to its former glory.