Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane’s recent State of the Province Address (SOPA) depicted progress tangled with areas needing development.
Premier Mtshweni-Tsipane highlighted a 12-fold increase in GDP and the creation of 1.25 million jobs. Educational enhancements, including free hot meals and sanitary towels for learners, have contributed to increased attendance and educational outcomes.
The Premier emphasised that 87% of households in Mpumalanga have access to clean water, while over 93% have adequate sanitation facilities, illustrating ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and living conditions.
However, Collen Sedibe of the EFF disputed these claims, citing mismanagement of funds through corruption and maladministration. “That money is stolen through corruption and maladministration. If it was used fruitfully, people would have had running water in their houses. So there is no water, the taps are dry,” Sedibe emphasized.
Sedibe further elaborated that virtually all communities in Mpumalanga, including rural and township areas, are affected by this crisis, underscoring the urgency for immediate relief.
Healthcare improvements have been notable, with reduced infant and maternal mortality rates and effective programs addressing HIV/AIDS and TB. Access to oncology services has been expanded, exemplified by the renovation of the Rob Ferreira Hospital’s oncology unit.
“Today about 1 767 370 hectares of land have been acquired
and transferred to the hands of the previously disadvantaged through our
land reform programmes of restitution and redistribution,” Premier Mtshweni-Tsipane stated, promoting economic empowerment and land ownership. Housing initiatives have provided low-cost houses and title deeds, granting residents security and a sense of belonging.
Infrastructure development has been a focal point, with new schools, hospitals, and government buildings constructed, alongside road network upgrades. Premier Mtshweni-Tsipane highlighted the economic stimulation and improved quality of life resulting from these initiatives.
“The Quartrly Labour Force Survey released last week shows that at the end of the 4th Quarter of 2023 our province was employing 63 869 more people
than the same period in 2022,” Premier Mtshweni-Tsipane noted, with a focus on empowering youth through entrepreneurship initiatives. Agriculture has seen success stories, with young farmers receiving government support to establish thriving farms and access markets.
The Premier emphasised the province’s commitment to education through expanded access to Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs, improved learner performance, and initiatives introducing coding and robotics. Bursary schemes provide support to students and teachers, ensuring access to quality education for all.
Looking ahead, the province aims to introduce “smart schools” in eight schools equipped with technology to enhance learning outcomes. Investments in water and sanitation projects continue, with over R17 billion allocated to enhance infrastructure and address emerging challenges.
Jane Sithole, provincial leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), criticized the Premier’s SOPA as a reiteration of old announcements lacking implementation details. Sithole underscored critical issues such as rising youth unemployment, failing municipalities, deteriorating infrastructure, and neglected energy transition planning.
Sithole concluded by stating, “Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane has failed dismally to tell the residents of the province about her successes in the last four years. Instead, she told us about her predecessors’ successes for the last 30 years.” She emphasized the DA’s commitment to holding the administration accountable for implementing proposed solutions.
