PREMIER NDLOVU’S NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO THE CITIZENS OF MPUMALANGA
01 January 2025
The Mpumalanga Premier, Mr. Mandla Ndlovu says the start of the New year serves as an opportunity to intensify government’s plans for the realisation of the apex priorities set out by the 7th administration at the beginning of its term last year. At the time of his sworn-in ceremony, Mr. Ndlovu expressed commitment towards the achievement of the priorities of driving an inclusive growth and job creation, reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living and build a capable, ethical and developmental state.
The country and the global community have marked a cross over from year 2024 to the 2025 New year. The Premier says the New year will be charecterised by increased investments for the development of the infrastructure such as roads, water and sanitation, and public service institutions, in line with the priorities. “We commit ourselves to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s New year message, of working with urgency and purpose to grow an inclusive economy and create jobs. The desire of various stakeholders, especially the private sector to invest in our province, will fuel this commitment, including the commitment to make Mpumalanga, a construction site (Kubhunya Lutfuli programme),” Mr. Ndlovu emphasised.
Socio-economic challenges, such as crime, are cited among the obstacles which interrupt government’s efforts to achieve set plans. The outbreak of foodborne illness, became a major threat to the lives of young children, not only in Mpumalanga, but countrywide.
Notwithstanding these challenges, Premier Ndlovu is adamant that 2025 is an opportunity to confront them drastically as a pathway towards the realization of the set priorities. “In 2024 several arrests were instituted as part of the fight against illegal mining, through operation vala umgodi at Pilgrim’s Rest and Sabie in Thaba Chweu Local Municipality. This signals the success to eliminate crime, and will be augmented by the execution of the crime prevention strategy, approved by the Executive Council (EXCO), in our quest to flatten the curve of Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF),” Mr. Ndlovu expatiated.
Several spaza shops have since been closed down in the province, due to non compliance with prescribed regulations. The Premier attributes the clampdown to the effectiveness of the Provincial Inter-Departmental Task team, to eliminate the scourge of foodborne illness.
Mr. Ndlovu describes year 2025 as a new chapter, full of opportunities. “As we stand at the threshold of a brand New year, let us welcome 2025 with hope, optimism and a renewed sense of purpose, full of possibilities. I wish you a healthy, happy, peaceful, safe and prosperous New year,” the Premier added.
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