Lesufi: G20 interventions in Joburg 'permanent & will assist in repositioning our province'

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said finishing touches were underway as South Africa prepares to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit at the end of the week.

Heads of state from the bloc and thousands of other delegates will meet in Johannesburg to finalise South Africa’s G20 presidency.

The country has spent a year preparing for the all-important gathering, including policy discussions on how to address pressing global challenges.

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Government has come under fire for a clean-up campaign in parts of Johannesburg, including Sandton and Soweto, where the summit will be hosted.

The intensified service delivery has left Johannesburg residents frustrated about what some have labelled as window dressing.

Lesufi said there was a longer-term plan in place for refurbishing the city and province.

"There are others who are accusing us of putting lipstick on a pig, that this thing is going to collapse and that we’re not going into long, sustainable resolutions to find lasting solutions. They are not aware that the resources we have amassed, the support we’re getting from national government, so this intervention is permanent and will assist in repositioning our province."

He said he hopes that the inclement weather doesn’t reverse progress made so far.

"For the first time, I don’t want rain because it will reopen the potholes, it will create problems that need to be attended. We’re crossing our fingers that by Wednesday, the weather will behave so that we can finish the final touches."