NELSPRUIT – As the current provincial government fast approaches the end of its term, the State of the Province Address (Sopa) this Friday is expected to highlight the achievements and shortcomings of the past five years.
Mr Zibonele Mncwango, spokesman for the Office of the Premier, said last Friday that most of these will be presented by the premier, Mr David Mabuza, during the Sopa. Last year, the priorities outlined by Mabuza in his address focussed on creating employment opportunities, economic and rural development, the improvement of education, improved access to basic services such as water and electricity, and better health care.
To evaluate their work, he and his cabinet held a three-day lekgotla last week, which offered different departments the opportunity to give feedback on their progress. The premier took the opportunity to thank the citizens for entrusting him and his executive council to lead government during the past five years.
“Those of us who are political representatives are humbled by the opportunity. It was not an easy journey; we fought along the way, but our intentions were good.
“We know that leaders come and go, but we are confident that our people will recognise the difference this democratic government has made in their lives during the past 20 years.”
