MPUMALANGA PREMIER URGES COMMUNITIES TO WORK TOGETHER IN THE SPIRIT OF RECONCILIATION
16 December 2021
Mpumalanga Premier, Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane has urged communities in Mpumalanga to use the reconciliation day to advance a harmonious working relationship that will address the socio-economic challenges in the province. This as South Africa marks 16 December as the day of reconciliation. This year’s theme is: “The year of Charlotte Maxeke: Promoting Reconcilliation During the 25th Annivessary of the Constitution”.
Mtshweni-Tsipane says although the fight against racial segregation, intolerance and cultural differences has come into full circle since the democratic dispensation, however, the socio-economic challenges in the country generally and specifically in Mpumalanga, should be the focal point. “This day is a constant reminder for our country not to slide back to the prejudices of the past where the majority was treated as foreigners in their country of birth. In Mpumalanga, this crucial day should be a reminder for government, communities and all stakeholders to work together in confronting the socio-economic challenges, the same way that past prejudices were confronted”, says the Premier.
Premier Mtshweni-Tsipane says although major milestones have been recorded in the fight against prejudices, the next step is to improve the socio-economic conditions of communities in Mpumalanga. “Our economic recovery plans, to create more employment opportunities and to reduce poverty levels, are adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the economy growing at a slow pace. This calls for the implementation of aggressive measures which include a public/private partnership that will ensure that the benefits are shared with all the victims of past prejudices that the reconciliation day is addressing,” says the Premier
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Issued by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government
Enquiries:
Premier's Spokesperson: Sbongile Mkani-Mpolweni
Tel: (013) 766 2453
Mobile: 082 967 2138
E-mail: mpolwenis@prem.mpg.gov.za
(A) Provincial Government’s Spokesperson: George Mthethwa
Tel: (013) 766 2242
Mobile: 083 302 2774
E-mail: gpmthethwa@mpg.gov.za
