Africa-Press – South-Africa. Following Western Cape Premier Alan Winde’s State of the Province Address (SOPA) last night, the GOOD Party has expressed grave concern regarding the disconnect between economic reports and the reality of growing poverty.
While Premier Winde highlighted increased jobs, investments, and infrastructure as key growth points for the province, opposition parties have slated the address, arguing that the working class is being left behind.
GOOD Party Secretary-General Brett Herron acknowledged the provincial government’s efforts in job creation but noted that these figures mean little if citizens cannot afford basic necessities.
According to Herron, food insecurity in the Western Cape has increased by 3% over the past year.
“We sadly heard nothing from the Premier about that! He didn’t tell us that moderate food insecurity rose from 10.6% in 2024 to 13.1% in 2025. Overall food insecurity, from mild to severe, now sits at roughly 50%,” Herron stated.
Herron emphasised that more than half of the province’s population is now uncertain about where their next meal will come from. He challenged the impact of the province’s economic strategy on the everyday lives of the vulnerable.
“We must ask what these new jobs and our unemployment rate mean when working-class people are forced to choose between buying bread and electricity,” said Herron.
The GOOD Party is calling for a shift in provincial priorities. Herron urged the Premier to:
Develop a comprehensive food security plan.
Increase investment in community development.
Prioritise education as a long-term solution to alleviate poverty.
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