Lesufi vows tight security for G20 Summit, promises to regularise AmaPanyaza

Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, has issued a stern warning to anyone planning to test the province’s security ahead of the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit.

Briefing the media on Tuesday, Lesufi said Gauteng is fully prepared to host the global event in the coming weeks, with all major concerns addressed and resolved.

Lesufi said the province is fully prepared to host the G20 Summit, with key venues and infrastructure secured ahead of the high-profile event.

He said the International Convention Centre (ICC), key hotels, and OR Tambo International Airport have all been placed under tight security, and that energy supply capacity has been reinforced to ensure the smooth running of the two-day summit.

Lesufi added that the infrastructure upgrades made in preparation for the event are meant to leave a lasting legacy beyond the summit itself.

Meanwhile, the Premier confirmed that his administration will meet the Public Protector’s deadline to regularise the controversial Gauteng Traffic Warden Programme.

The Public Protector’s report found the programme was improperly implemented, with wardens hired without proper legal authority and operations that failed to comply with national traffic enforcement laws. It further recommended that the province review and regularise the programme, recover irregular expenditure, and discipline responsible officials.

Responding to questions about the issue, Lesufi assured residents that no jobs will be lost, adding that the wardens will assist with various duties during the G20 Summit.

This follows last month’s decision by the Premier to disband the Traffic Warden unit after reports of misconduct, abuse of power, and inadequate training surfaced.

Lesufi added that the transition process to formalise the wardens is already underway.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe