Mpumalanga Premier commits himself to citizens
DA says province is in for “a torrid five years under Mabuza’s leadership”.
HIGHVELD – Mr David Mabuza was re-elected and sworn in as the Premier of Mpumalanga at the Provincial Legislature on Wednesday, 21 May.
He said he would not fail citizens and would represent everyone regardless of their votes.
“The ANC is humbled by the trust and the respect shown to us by the people of Mpumalanga to continue to lead their government.
“Their trust is not misplaced and we thank them for going out in numbers to exercise their democratic right to choose their preferred government,” said Mr Mabuza.
“The country’s democracy is maturing.
“As we begin our business, we will consider all the concerns and challenges raised by the people during the campaigns,” said Mr Mabuza.
He said the new administration would focus more on human settlement, job creation, water and electricity provision and job creation.
Mr Mabuza’s inauguration as the Premier is expected to take place this week and he would subsequently announce the new executive council.
He said he was likely to retain some of the hardworking members of the executive from the previous administration.
Ms Thandi Shongwe was elected as the Speaker of the Mpumalanga Legislature.
The DA in Mpumalanga said the province is in for “a torrid five years with Mr Mabuza back at the helm”.
“While the Premier may take a moment to congratulate himself on this feat, which none of his predecessors managed to achieve, his tenure will go down in history as the worst decade ever in the history of Mpumalanga,” said Mr Anthony Benadie, provincial leader.
“Hundreds of millions in public funds were lost as corruption ran rampant and service delivery deteriorated during Mr Mabuza’s first term in office.”
Mr Benadie said according to the auditor general’s report, unauthorised expenditure in the province increased from R1.3 million in 2011/2012 to R136 million in 2012/2013.
He said Ms Shongwe, who was the former ANC chief whip, would take her position seriously as head of the institution and execute her tasks in the impartial manner that is befitting to the position of Speaker.
