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PREMIER NDLOVU ENGAGES SOCCER’S EMINENT ADMINISTRATOR IRVIN KHOZA FOR COLLABORATION WITH PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT


18 December 2024

The Mpumalanga Premier, Mr. Mandla Ndlovu has engaged the Chairperson of the Premier Soccer League (PSL), Dr. Irvin Khoza to strengthen a collaboration between the league and the Provincial Government. The meeting took place in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

Since taking over the reigns as Premier in July 2024, Mr. Ndlovu has resolved to reduce the high rate of unemployment and poverty through job creation initiatives. This commitment is in line with the apex priorities of the 7th administration of driving an inclusive growth and job creation, reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living as well as building a capable, ethical and developmental state.

To achieve these priorities, the Premier has engaged various stakeholders, including the private sector for support. During the meeting with Dr. Khoza, the Premier presented a grant plan with opportunities and benefits of a collaboration with the Provincial Government, through hosting of major games at the iconic Mbombela stadium.

Mr. Ndlovu cited big crowds that attend sport and other social events as evidence. “Our citizens are passionate, not only about sport, but social events. In the recent Kaizer Chiefs-TS Galaxy match at the Mbombela stadium, more than 20 000 spectators turned up. The stadium was full to its capacity when we hosted the Nedbank cup final. A big crowd attended the Metro FM Music Awards at the same venue. These are some of the benefits that the PSL will derive by hosting more games at the iconic stadium,” Mr Ndlovu stressed.

The Premier led an entourage of MECs, Ms. Leah Mabuza (Culture, Sport and Recreation), Mr. Jacky Macie (Community Safety, Security and Liaison), Cllr. Sibongile Makhushe-Mazibuko (Executive Mayor of the City of Mbombela Local Municipality) , the Acting Director-General, Mr. Peter Nyoni and Senior Managers.

The Premier further illustrated Mpumalanga’s commitment to invest in the sporting fraternity. These include, but not limited to the financial support of TS Galaxy, the only Mpumalanga-based team in the PSL, as well as the construction of the High Altitude sport facility in Emakhazeni Local Municipality.

Dr. Khoza welcomed the plan, and further expressed a commitment to explore the opportunities of collaboration with the Provincial Government.

Mpumalanga is recognised as one of the provinces with attractive tourism sites, in the country. As such, visitors get an opportunity to experience the natural beauty, unique to the province, as post-match retreat. The variety of high class accommodation facilities, provide the visitors the guarantee of such retreat, before travelling back to their destinations, thus contributing to the growth of the local economy.

ENDS...


Issued by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government

Provincial Government’s Spokesperson: George Mthethwa
Tel: (013) 766 2242
Mobile: 083 302 2774
E-mail: gpmthethwa@mpg.gov.za




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