Mpumalanga 2009 State of the Province review
Mpumalanga Premier, David Mabuza, will deliver his maiden State of the Province Adress (SOPA) on Friday (19/06/2009) at the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature Complex in Nelspruit.
The SOPA is a prime event of the provincial administration wherein the premier sets the tone for the service delivery and outlines the provincial government’s key priorities for the term ahead. It provides broad policy directives and frameworks for departments and public entities to align their strategic orientation to be in line with national imperatives and municipal’s integrated developmental plans.
The speech will be underpinned by the governing party’s priorities, the provincial growth and development strategy and outcomes of the recent cabinet Lekgotla held last week in Sabie. Amongst other areas that the speech is expected to place emphasis on, is the provincial rescue package for the economic recession, the re-alignment of public entities, strengthening municipal performance, the acceleration of the expanded public works program, infrastructure investments and the development of rural areas.
More importantly, in an effort to turn the tide against poverty, government will commit more resources in order to increase the beneficiaries from the “Masibuyele Emasimini” and “Siyatentela” high impact projects . Masibuyele Emasimini is aimed at addressing food security and alleviates poverty at household level through provision of tractors, seeds, fertilizers to destitute rural families, whereas the Siyatentele is targeting rural women who ply labour intensive methods in tarring or re- surfacing the roads infrastructure in rural areas. The roll-out of the anti-poverty war room strategy will also be highlighted.
Education and health, which constitute priority areas for the next term, will receive special focus. The performance and management of public schools and public health facilities in the provision of quality public services will be singled out as matters requiring priority attention and specific plans in this direction will be announced. In addition, progress and milestones with regard to the state of readiness for hosting the FIFA 2010 Soccer Cup will also be announced.
More than 1000 guests from various sectors have been invited and former Premiers, Mathews Phosa, Ndaweni Mahlangu and Thabang Makwetla are also expected to attend. Three public viewing sites will broadcast the speech live on big screens at Dipaleseng (Grootvlei), Leroro hall in Thaba Chweu municipality and the Green elephant hall in Dullstroom - Emakhazeni municipality.
Date: 19 June 2009
Venue: Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, Nelspruit
Time: 9H00
Issued by:
Ntime Skhosana
Office of the Premier
Cell: +27 82 496 6875
Tel: +27 13 766 2055
Media Accreditation:
Carol Mutswana
Tel: +27 13 766 2033
Cell: +27 73 308 9621
