Premier Mandla Ndlovu
Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu is set to deliver his second State of the Province Address (SOPA) of the 7th Administration this Thursday March 03 at Mpumalanga Legislature Chamber, Mbombela.
As the province grapples with both growing economic hope and the scars of recent natural disasters, the Address will serve as a definitive roadmap for the provincial government’s strategic priorities and service delivery interventions for the 2026/27 fiscal year.
The backdrop for this year’s SOPA is one of cautious optimism. Recent data from the Quarterly Labour Force Survey reveals a welcome dip in the provincial unemployment rate, which fell from 34% to 32.2%.
Premier Ndlovu is expected to contextualise this progress within the framework of the Medium-Term Development Plan.
Key economic targets likely to be reaffirmed include: Aiming to create at least 60,000 jobs per annum. Targeting R50 billion in domestic and foreign investment. Driving an inclusive economic growth rate of 3% or more.
While the decrease in unemployment is a positive indicator, the Premier will likely address the nature of youth unemployment and the high cost of living, which continue to strain households across the province.
Recent devastating floods have left a trail of destruction, particularly in the Ehlanzeni District, where infrastructure failures resulted in loss of life and displaced families.
Legislators and citizens alike are waiting for the Premier to outline a comprehensive Disaster Relief and Infrastructure Repair plan. Current estimates suggest that over R2.1 billion is required to rehabilitate damaged roads, bridges, and schools.
Ndlovu is expected to detail how the provincial government will move beyond reactive fixes toward building climate-resilient infrastructure that can withstand future extreme weather events.
Following the establishment of the Provincial Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Committee, Premier Ndlovu will highlight recorded progress in curbing violence against women and children.
The Provincial Strategic Plan (PSP-GBVF) is now in motion, and the Premier is expected to provide updates on: The coordination of intervention programs between government and civil society. The rollout of “100-Day Challenges” designed to improve response times and support for survivors.
Measures to hold perpetrators accountable through strengthened provincial safety structures.
The 2026 SOPA remains the primary platform for the Premier to account to the people of Mpumalanga, emphasizing the building of a capable, ethical, and developmental state.
The Address will be broadcast live on regional radio stations and streamed via the Mpumalanga Provincial Government’s social media platforms.
