Mpumalanga premier Mandla Ndlovu with Speaker Lindi Masina
By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
Economic growth, public safety, quality healthcare and education, bulk infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, basic services, traditional leadership, social development, culture, sports and arts.
These were some of the key focus areas outlined by the Premier of Mpumalanga, Mandla Ndlovu, during the official opening of the Provincial Legislature for the 7th Administration, in Mbombela, on 31 July.
The new Mpumalanga premier Mandla Ndlovu addressed the august house in Mbombela that was full of people with hopes of new developments and good news for their communities on his speech.
Ndlovu acknowledge the contribution of his predecessors such as Dr Mathews Phosa, Ndaweni Mahlangu, Thabang Makwetla, David Mabuza and Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, who gallantly governed the province of Mpumalanga, as Premiers, with unwavering dedication and impeccable distinction.
He said that his agenda is to implement the manifesto of the governing party and the statement of intent adopted by the Government of National Unity(GNU), through collaboration with other political parties, in order to deliver quality service to the people of Mpumalanga.
“ Since my first day in office, I have engaged with a number of internal and external stakeholders. I have met with all departments to understand the current state of their readiness to serve the 7th administration and deliver quality service to the people of Mpumalanga,” said Ndlovu.
The Economy
“ Our focus and priority is the implementation of socio-economic interventions aimed at intent and resolve to maximise job creation, eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We will work with the private sector, build industries, tackle the high cost of living, improve public transport, quality education and build skills, ensure quality health care by fully embracing the National Health Insurance(NHI), build more house and provide basic services,”
Public Safety
“We remain concerned about the high level of crime in our province. Of grace concern is Gender Based Violence and Femicide(GBVF) committed against women and children. As part of our efforts to curb crime, we will deploy at least 1200 crime prevention wardens who will assist to enhance Safety and Security in our community. These wardens will be trained and placed in hot spot areas all over the Province. They will work together with the South African Police Service(SAPS), eMpumalanga siyabopha asidlali”
Healthcare
“ Healthcare is a right not a privilege. Every man, woman and child in South Africa should have access to health care, regardless of their income. Our primary priority is to reduce mortality rate and increase life expectancy. Our commitment is to complete and operationalise New Middleburg Hospital, fully operationalise Mmamethlake Hospital, continue construction of Mapulaneng Hosptial, planning and designing of Linah Malatjie Tertiary Hospital, expansion of Oncology Unit for Rob Ferreira Hospital, establish gynaecological Units in Sister Mashiteng Clinic(Steve Tshwete Local Municipality) and Oakley Clinic(Bushbuckridge Local Municipality) further more all clinics are expected to operate 24 Hours in all parts of Mpumalanga”
Education
“ We will prioritise Early Childhood Development phase by building blocks upon which learning can take place. Allocate adequate resources to improve learners’ performance, especially grades 3, 6 and 9.
Construction of new schools and additional classrooms. Six primary schools were built; Magogeni Primary, Mpumelelo Primary, New Klarinet Primary School, Mbatini Primary, New Doornkop, and Msholozi Primary School”
Infrastructure
“We declare war on potholes, every day the teams should patch potholes and re-gravel our roads. The province will be undertaking the following transport infrastructure projects; rehabilitation of Luphisi Road in Mbombela, reconstruction of Driekoppies bridge in Nkomazi, construction of Road over Rail Bridge in Emalahleni, upgrading road between Casteel and Zoeknog in Bushbuckridge, resealing Langeloop and KaMhlushwa in Nkomazi, upgrading of Dhludluma, including Ring Road. We call on the private sector, including Sasol, to make a contribution in the rehabilitation and upgrade of the Mbalenhle and Secunda Road, the Valazonke will continue working in all parts of Mpumalangba and people are expected to report all pokrtholes in their communities”
Renewable Energy Resources in Government Buildings
Last year we started with the implementation of solar panel technology at Mmethlake and Riverside Government Complex. This initiative will create approximately 1000 jobs, including manufacturing, installation, operation and maintenance over the next 5 years. It brings me great pleasure to announce the following major projects to create more job opportunities and ensure inclusive economic growth;
Ummbila Emoyeni- Seriti Green for their massive R25 billion investment, the first phase of the project would deliver R4.8 billion to the province
Green Hydrogen Power Development- to contribute to resolving the shortage of electricity-generation in the province. Approximately R54 billion will be invested in the country.
Natural Gas- Kinetiko Energy on their R155 million LNG pilot project in Amersfoort Natural Gas as a solution to the energy crisis
Carbon Capture, Storage and Utilisation
Battery Manufacturing
Hyshif-Aviation Fuel-consortium comprising Sasol, Energy, Linde and Hydrogen
Other announcements on Premier Ndlovu’s address included Infrastructure Funding Options, Agriculture(Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market), Mpumalanga Agri-Park(land donated by Sasol, 20 sow piggery, 35000 chickens for various co-operatives), Tourism (revitalisation of nature reserves, creation of new tourism products), Human Settlements( provision of bulk infrastructure especially water and sanitation- this includes current projects such as Rondebosch water and sewer, Wildebeesfontein bulk sewer, Kumana Rollestone bulk water, Mashishing bulk sewer, Ermelo bulk sewer, Silobela servicing of sites), Basic services, Traditional Leadership, Culture Sports & Arts(continued support for big events like Mpumalanga Cultural Experience, Innibos Arts Festival, 013 Summer Blaze, Annual White Picnic, Dikoma Cultural Festival, Barberton Makhonjwa Marathon, Mpumalanga Show and National Sports Tournament).
Mpumalanga premier has assured the province that the Fresh produce market will be officially operational in the next Three months.
