Gugu Mathebula
Mpumalanga Premier, Mandla Ndlovu delivered the 2025 State of the Province Address on February 28.
He said this event provided him with an ideal opportunity to account to the province’s people regarding 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 would continue to foster economic growth as this is crucial for creating job opportunities and fostering hope in the communities. “Over the next five years, our target is to create approximately 300 000 additional and sustainable work opportunities,” he said.
When addressing health, Ndlovu touched on the 90-day pause on all United States foreign aid, affecting many organisations across the country and in Mpumalanga. “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 plans are already in place 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 urged.
With regards to basic services, Ndlovu touched on the Amsterdam and Sheepmore Bulk Water Supply Scheme at Mkhondo Local Municipality, a project which is progressing well and of 40% had already been constructed. It is expected to be completed in June 2026, with a total project cost of R550 million.
Refurbishment of Elukwatini’s Sewer Pump Station had been completed and will benefit 14751 households. “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 and the Msukaligwa Bulk Water Supply Cluster 1, as well as upgrades to the Mkhuhlu Waste Water Treatment Works.”
Regarding safety and security, Ndlovu said the period under review saw a substantial decrease in certain crime categories while there was an increase in others. “One of the most heinous crimes which are on the increase is gender-based violence and femicide [GBVF].
This crime has been declared a second pandemic and therefore demands that the community work with the police in combating it. “We will be working closely with the newly established GBVF Provincial Council. Victim-friendly rooms and GBVF desks had been established across 85 police stations in the province, while in five others the officers are still using their own offices,” Ndlovu concluded.
