Premier Ndlovu presented a “clear programme of action” built around the three strategic priorities of the Government of National Unity: accelerating inclusive economic growth and job creation, reducing poverty and the cost of living, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.
Growing the Economy and Jobs
In pursuit of inclusive economic growth and job creation, the Premier’s Youth Development Fund has continued to support youth enterprises and create job opportunities across the Province.
The Premier’s Advisory Economic Panel will also be established this year to guide the Province’s strategic investment decisions. The panel is set to advise on investment and help implement socio-economic plans, with a focus on agriculture, agro-processing, tourism, and the green economy.
Cutting Poverty and the Cost of Living
Towards reducing poverty and the cost of living, the Premier’s Discretionary Bursary Programme has supported deserving students across various fields of study, with a majority of recipients being female. For the 2026 academic year, 27 bursaries worth R4 million were awarded, with over 60% going to young women.
The Province has also launched an ultra-long-acting HIV prevention programme and intensified its response to Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. The HIV programme, centred on Lenacapavir, was launched on 5 June in Govan Mbeki Municipality to improve adherence and expand prevention. On GBVF, the Mpumalanga Provincial Council on GBVF has been launched, chaired by the Premier, to drive the Provincial Strategic Plan.
Building an Ethical, Capable State
To build a capable, ethical, and developmental state, Members of the Executive Council were assessed against their Service Delivery Agreements for the first time, and the Provincial Anti-Corruption Strategy has been approved.
Lifestyle audits for senior officials will be introduced across the provincial administration to reinforce ethical conduct and prevent corruption. Ndlovu told the legislature that Heads of Department have a 15-day deadline to submit performance agreements, adding that where there is non-performance, there will be consequences.
The Office of the Premier’s budget for 2026/27 is R505 959 000.00, split across Administration, Institutional Development Support and Integrity Management, and Policy, Research, Performance Monitoring and Evaluation.
Human Impact
At the tabling, Ndlovu highlighted youth beneficiaries of provincial support, including Project Artour in Mbombela, MJM Investment in Dr JS Moroka, and Youth Minds Poultry Farm in Msukaligwa. The Premier said the Youth Development Fund remains central to tackling unemployment, especially as the province marks 50 years since the 1976 student uprising.
Programme 1: Administration: R 197 190 000.00
Programme 2: Institutional Development Support and Integrity Management: R 241 591 000.00
Programme 3: Policy, Research, Performance Monitoring and Evaluation: R 67 178 000.00,” said Premier Ndlovu.
