Mandla Ndlovu, Mpumalanga Premier
By Kopano Dibakwane
The African National Congress Provincial Chairperson, Mandla Ndlovu, was elected as the new Premier of Mpumalanga Province during the first sitting of the 7th Provincial Legislature, in Mbombela on 14 June.
The sitting, presided over by Judge President of the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court-Justice Segopotje Mphahlele, dealt with the administration of the oath to members of the legislature, election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, and the election of the Premier.
In his acceptance speech, Ndlovu said he is humbled by the privilege of being elected as the Premier of Mpumalanga to lead the 7th Administration. He committed to uphold the legacy of his predecessors, including Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane. He said that all members of the legislature must work in unison to battle challenges such as poverty, unemployment, to name but a few.
“ We invite you members of the opposition to work together with the African National Congress, together we can do more. We always encourage open and robust engagement, we commit to work with you. Our shared responsibility is to build this province and make it a better place for our children.
“ We are going to create more jobs here in Mpumalanga, build industries, tackle the high cost of living, defend democracy and invest in our people. We commit to build effective corporate governance which is characterised by improved accountability and transparency, enhance credibility and public trust. I shall serve the people of the province without motive of personal gain,” said Ndlovu.
The newly elected Speaker, Lindi Lettie Masina, said she is committed to work together with all members of various political parties. Sam Masango, from the ANC, was elected to serve alongside Masina, as the Deputy Speaker.
“ I look forward to constructive engagement and cooperation amongst all honourables. We commit to hit the ground running, in deepening the work of an activist people-centred legislature,” said Masina.
Economic Freedom Fighters(EFF) Provincial Chairperson, Collen Sedibe, said his party will not congratulate the Premier for his election into office until he delivers on his promises. Sedibe furthermore called on Masina to expect heated moments and tough debates in the house, and that the she must not adopt a biased approach towards member of the opposition.
Former Premier of Mpumalanga, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, was elected as the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces(NCOP), to represent Mpumalanga Province in Parliament, alongside two fellow ANC members(Patrick Sibande and Sylvia Nxumalo) as well as Hildegard Sonja Boshoff from the Democratic Alliance(DA), Morongwe Phadi and Sifiso Advocate Zulu from the Mkhonto we Sizwe Party(MKP), and KhanyaCeza from the EFF.
