EXCO Media Statement
09 April 2025
PREMIER NDLOVU CONVENES EXCO TO ASSESS PROGRESS OF AUDIT ACTION PLANS AND STATE OF READINESS TO HOST G20 ACTIVITIESThe Mpumalanga Premier, Mr Mandla Ndlovu convened a sitting of the Executive Council (EXCO) on Wednesday in a quest to assess audit action plans. The sitting further analyzed the state of readiness as the province is designated to host G20 activities. The session signified the commitment of the 7th administration to improve the capacity of the state to deliver services, through the appointment of senior managers for critical positions.
- IMPLEMENTATION OF AUDIT ACTION PLANS
Audit outcomes are a boost for public trust, as they indicate government’s spending of public funds annually. The assessment of state institutions to determine audit outcomes is the mandate of the Auditor-General (A-G), a Chapter 9 Institution, and are conducted annually to conclude whether the expenditure and the performance are in line with the financial prescripts and set targets.
In Mpumalanga, the Provincial Government has developed audit action plans in a quest to improve the outcomes of the previous 2023/24 audit cycle. Premier Ndlovu has directed all state institutions to work towards the achievement of clean audits, to give effect to Priority 3 of the 7th administration, of building a capable, ethical and developmental state.
Two Departments, namely, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and Provincial Treasury (PT) have achieved clean audits in the previous outcomes. Two Public Entities, namely, Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) as well as the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator (MER), are also on the list.
During the session, EXCO noted that the Provincial Treasury has established a team of experts to support all state institutions, for the improvement of the audit opinions to produce clean audits, and to prevent a relapse from the previous achievements.
It was resolved that all departments must address all the findings, as set out in their audit action plans. Departments were further directed to provide credible information required by the A-G in preparation of the next audit cycle, which starts in May 2025. - G20 ACTIVITIES
Since South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency last year, EXCO noted the critical role of Mpumalanga as one of the designated hosts for the global event. The province will host five G20 Ministerial meetings and 12 study groups. They range from tourism outreach programmes to promote tourism trade in the digital era, to the advancement of education.
For tourism, the G20 build up activities include programmes to be held in the three Districts. The outreach programme in Ehlanzeni District will focus on the enhancement of travelling and support for SMMEs, and will be held in partnership with the University of Mpumalanga in Mbombela.
In the Gert Sibande District, the outreach programme will be held in Mkhondo community hall and will focus on building the resilience of the sector an inclusive and sustainable tourism.
In the Nkangala District, the outreach programme will focus on the promotion of equality and the sustainability of the sector. Financial institutions and developmental organisations are among the stakeholders to attend.
EXCO views the G20 activities as a crucial opportunity for the province to showcase its tourism attractions at a global scale.
- FREEDOM DAY COMMEMORATION
The decision to host this year’s Freedom Day commemoration was presented to EXCO. The Provincial Government, working with the National Government, is preparing to host the annual commemoration at the AJ Swanepoel Stadium, at the Msukaligwa Local Municipality, on the 27th of April 2025.
This year’s theme is: “United Resilience for the Defence of our Freedom and Democracy” and seeks to highlight the 27th anniversary milestone of the enactment of the Constitution of the Republic.
On Tuesday, the province hosted the launch of the Freedom Month, at the Jackson Mthembu Freedom square, within the precinct of the legislature, as a build up towards the Freedom day commemoration.
EXCO noted that preparations are already at an advanced stage, and expressed optimism that the event will contribute significantly towards social cohesion in the country.
- Appointments
Several appointments of Senior Managers were approved. These appointments are key for the realization of Priority 3 of the 7th administration, of building a capable, ethical and developmental state.
Five (5) out of the six (6) appointments are women, and this affirms the Provincial Government’s commitment to gender equity. Through the new appointments, Mpumalanga’s gender equity at Senior Management level, has increased to 83 percent.
The appointments are with effect from 1 May 2025 and are as follows:
4.1 Department of Health- Ms. Gillian Malatjie: Director – Community Health Based Services
- Ms. Hawor Phiri: Director – Corporate Services (Ehlanzeni District Office)
- Ms. Rebecca Shingange: Director –TB Control Programme
- Ms. Zodwa Mdluli: Director – Human Resource Practices
- Mr. Mack Mangena: Director – Hospital Services (Nkangala District office)
- Ms. Pumla Mundangepfupfu: Director – Business Regulations
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
