Mpumalanga premier focuses on various issues in 2025 Sopa
At this year’s Sopa, the premier discussed various issues including the 90-day pause on the USA’s foreign aid, which is affecting several organisations that provide healthcare.
Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu delivered the State of the Province Address today, February 28.
He said this event gives him the opportunity to account to the province’s people for the government’s performance and its progress towards building a better life for those who live here.
In his speech, Ndlovu discussed various issues including the economy, education, access to basic services, healthcare, and safety and security.
He said the provincial government will continue to foster economic growth as this is crucial for creating job opportunities and fostering hope in the communities.
@lowvelder A diverse group of performers honoured the guests at the 2025 Sopa with musical and dance performances. #sopa #mpumalanga #stateoftheprovinceaddress #legislature #mbombela
“Over the next five years, our target is to create approximately 300 000 additional and sustainable work opportunities,” he said.
When speaking about health, Ndlovu touched on the 90-day pause on all United States foreign aid, which is affecting many organisations across the country and in Mpumalanga.
@lowvelder The premier, Mandla Ndlovu, has arrived at the provincial legislature where he will deliver the much- anticipated 2025 Sopa. #sopa #mpumalanga #saps #mandlandlovu #march #redcarpet
“The decision by the USA to suspend and possibly terminate the support we have been receiving to combat HIV/Aids came at a very difficult time, especially given the current domestic and global economic environment. However, we are making plans to ensure these programmes are sustained and our people get the services they deserve.”
Ndlovu also said these plans are already in motion, and the government is calling on its social partners to augment the work that is already being done in that space. “Our people should not panic,” he said.
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When he addressed access to basic services, Ndlovu touched on many things including the Driekoppies Bulk Water Supply Scheme Phase 1A, which was halted. He said the construction will resume and be completed during the 2025/26 financial year.
“Planning is at an advanced stage for a number of bulk infrastructure projects to be implemented in the coming years: the Rust de Winter Bulk Water Supply, the Msukaligwa Bulk Water Supply Cluster 1, and upgrades to the Mkhuhlu Waste Water Treatment Works.”
Ndlovu also said the feasibility studies on the proposed construction of the Mbombela Dam at Mountain View is at an advanced stage.
On safety and security, Ndlovu said the period under review saw a substantial decrease in some crime categories while there was an increase in others.
“One of the most heinous crimes that was on the increase is gender-based violence and femicide [GBVF]. This crime has been declared a second pandemic, it therefore demands that the community work with the police in combating it. We will be working closely with the newly installed provincial council on GBVF.
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“Government has ensured that victim-friendly rooms and GBVF desks are established in 85 police stations, while in five others the officers are still using their own offices,” said Ndlovu.
Read more in the next print edition of Lowvelder.
