EXCO Media Statement

08 November 2024

EXCO entrenches fiscal discipline and appoint Committee to address food poisoning

The Executive Council (EXCO) convened a sitting on Thursday to discuss, among others, the tabling of the Provincial adjustment budget and measures to prevent cases of food poisoning in Mpumalanga.

Although the 7th administration has embarked on massive infrastructure development projects in the province, however, budget constraints remain one of the obstacles. The reprioritization of the budget to fund service delivery essential needs, took centre stage when EXCO members and the Premier, Mr. Mandla Ndlovu deliberated on the matter.

1. ADJUSTMENT BUDGET
   
   The Provincial Government allocated R61.6 billion in the 2024/25 financial year for the implementation of various policy priorities. As the Provincial Treasury prepares to table the adjustment budget, EXCO resolved that the budget should be allocated to infrastructure investment, such as the construction of three new schools and new clinics that were pronounced by the Premier, during the opening of the Legislature in July 2024. In addition, funding should be directed towards the finalisation of multi-year projects that are implemented in phases, to cater for the growing population.
   
   An analysis of the Provincial Government’s revenue collection was made during the sitting. The province collected just over fifty (50) percent in own revenue in the first six month, but the amount remains inadequate to plug the gap in resources that are available for expansive programme objectives of the government. EXCO supported the need to develop a revenue enhancement strategy to augment income generation measures.
   
   Further details of the adjustment budget will be announced by the MEC for Provincial Treasury, Mr. Bonakele Majuba on the 19th of November 2024 in the legislature.


2. FOOD POISONING
   
   EXCO made an assessment of various cases related to food poisoning, as reported at some provincial schools. Both Departments of Education and Health were commended for their urgent intervention of coordinating medical attention at the occurrence of cases.
   
   In its assessment, EXCO observed that a multi-disciplinary approach must be adopted as a matter of urgency to alleviate the outbreak of food poisoning cases. As such an Inter-Departmental Committee has been established to pay special attention to the matter.
   
   The Committee will, among other critical tasks, coordinate the inspection of spaza shops to determine compliance to operational regulations and hygiene protocols of handling food. It is expected to work with various stakeholders, such as Ward Councillors and Health inspectors, and provide progress reports of responding to emergency cases.
   
   The following members of the Executive were appointed as part of the Committee, namely:
   
   
   • Ms. Sasekani Manzini of Health (Chairperson);
   • Ms. Cathy Dlamini of Education;
   • Mr. Speed Mashilo of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs;
   • Ms. Makhosazana Masilela of Economic Development and Tourism;
   • Mr. Jackie Macie of Safety, Security and Liaison.

The functionality of the Committee is with immediate effect.

ENDS...


Issued by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government
Enquiries:
Executive Council’s Spokesperson: Mr Thulasizwe Thomo
Provincial Government’s Spokesperson: Mr George Mthethwa
Tel: (013) 766 2242
Mobile:083 302 2774
E-mail: gpmthethwa@mpg.gov.za