Local news

Mpumalanga Premier engages PSL chairperson for collaboration

In his meeting with the Premier League’s chairperson, Premier Mandla Ndlovu said Mbombela Stadium draws huge crowds when high-profile events are hosted there.

The Mpumalanga premier, Mandla Ndlovu, engaged the chairperson of the Premier Soccer League (PSL), Dr Irvin Khoza, in Johannesburg on January 7 to strengthen the collaboration between the league and the provincial government.

According to the Premier’s Office, since taking over the reins as premier in July, Ndlovu has resolved to reduce the high rate of unemployment and poverty through job-creation initiatives. This commitment is in line with the apex priorities of the seventh administration, of driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living, as well as building a capable, ethical and developmental state.

Our citizens are passionate, not only about sport, but several social events. In the recent Kaizer Chiefs-TS Galaxy match at the Mbombela Stadium, more than 20 000 spectators turned up.

To achieve these priorities, the premier has engaged various stakeholders, including the private sector, for support. During the meeting with Khoza, the premier presented a grant plan with opportunities and benefits of collaboration with the provincial government, by the hosting of major games at the iconic Mbombela Stadium. Ndlovu cited big crowds that attend sports and other social events as evidence. “Our citizens are passionate, not only about sport, but several social events. In the recent Kaizer Chiefs-TS Galaxy match at the Mbombela Stadium, more than 20 000 spectators turned up. The stadium was filled to capacity when we hosted the Nedbank Cup final. A big crowd attended the Metro FM Music Awards at the same venue. These are some of the benefits that the PSL will enjoy by hosting more games at this iconic stadium,” said Ndlovu.

ALSO READ: Goalless game in Mbombela for the Rockets

The premier further illustrated Mpumalanga’s commitment to investing in the sporting fraternity. These include the financial support of TS Galaxy, the only Mpumalanga-based team in the PSL, as well as the construction of the high-altitude sports facility in eMakhazeni Local Municipality.

Khoza welcomed the plan and committed to explore the opportunities of collaboration with the provincial government.

Mpumalanga is recognised as one of the provinces with attractive tourism sites. As such, visitors get an opportunity to experience the natural beauty, unique to the province, as a post-match retreat. The variety of high-class accommodation facilities provide the visitors the guarantee of such a retreat before they travel back to their destinations, thus contributing to the local economy’s growth.

The premier led an entourage of MECs, such as Leah Mabuza (culture, sport and recreation) and Jacky Macie (community safety, security and liaison), as well as Cllr Sibongile Makushe-Mazibuko, the executive mayor of the City of Mbombela, the acting director general, Peter Nyoni, and several senior managers.

 

At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here.

Related Articles

Back to top button