POLOKWANE –  The Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba used her 2026 State of the Province Address (Sopa) at the Jack Botes Hall last Thursday to outline plans aimed at boosting employment, improving public infrastructure and addressing ongoing water challenges affecting communities across the province.

Employment push

She reported that close to 64 000 jobs were created in the province between January and December last year. The number of employed people in the province increased from 1 488 000 in the first quarter of 2025 to 1 552 000 by the end of the year, bringing the provincial unemployment rate down to 28.2%.

“We are building employment momentum with urgency and a clear goal of bringing unemployment below 20%,” she said.

Major construction projects

Among the major infrastructure projects highlighted was the construction of Limpopo’s first central academic hospital, which the premier said is 52% complete. Once operational, the facility is expected to reduce the number of patients referred to academic hospitals in other provinces.

Ramathuba also called on Public Works MEC Tony Rachoene and Economic Development MEC Baldwin Matibe to finalise discussions on the proposed Polokwane International Convention Centre.

She said the facility would complement the success of the Peter Mokaba Sports Complex, which has hosted major sporting events including PSL finals and international football matches.

The premier did, however, not address the slow progress on the international softball stadium being developed in the same precinct.

School infrastructure

The premier also acknowledged the pressure placed on local schools by rapid population growth driven by economic migration. She said plans are underway to build new schools and expand existing ones in the city.

This includes finalising construction plans for Bendor High School, which is currently operating from the premises of Capricorn High School, as well as the development of Greenside Primary School and additional classrooms at schools in nearby villages.

She added that 15 of the 19 schools identified last year for urgent sanitation upgrades have already been completed, while the remaining four are nearing completion.

Transport debate

She also reiterated support for the proposed Limpopo–Gauteng high-speed rail project, arguing that large infrastructure investments are necessary to drive economic growth.

Provincial DA leader Jacques Smalle, however, criticised the proposal, describing the bullet train plan as unrealistic and disconnected from the immediate needs of residents. He pointed out that R80m allocated in the previous budget for an impact assessment on the project was never spent and was later withdrawn during the adjustment budget.

Ramathuba defended the proposal, saying improved mobility and transport infrastructure would stimulate economic development and create jobs during the construction phase.

Water crisis in focus

The premier also addressed ongoing water supply challenges affecting parts of the province, particularly Polokwane, which is seeking metropolitan status. Ramathuba confirmed that her office would meet with national officials from Water and Sanitation to find solutions to the inconsistent supply of potable water.

She furthermore dismissed claims that the municipality owes bulk water supplier Lepelle Northern Water, stating that the focus should instead be on improving coordination and resolving supply problems.

A media briefing was scheduled for Wednesday to report on the outcome of the meeting.