Executive Council Media Statement

11 November 2023

EXCO RECEIVES CENSUS 2022 REPORT AND RESOLVES TO ACCELERATE INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

The Executive Council convened a sitting on Wednesday, 15 November 2023, to discuss among others, the Census 2022 report and measures to accelerate the finalisation of infrastructure projects despite budget constraints.

During the session, the Premier, Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane and Members of the Executive Council (MECs) received the Census 2022 report, which depicts the Mpumalanga Provincial perspective. The session further deliberated on plans to launch the 16 Days of Activism on No Violence against Women and Children. Mpumalanga is designated as the host for the national launch this year.

1. Census 2022 report

The report was presented by the Statistician General, Mr Risenga Maluleke. It depicts, among others, the following:

1.1 That the Mpumalanga’s population has increased to more than five million (5m), making the Province, the 6th with a high population in the country;

1.2 That there are twelve thousand (12 000) people who migrated to Mpumalanga from other Provinces between 2011 and 2022;

1.3 That the number of households with access to electricity is above 80% in Mpumalanga;

1.4 That close to half of the households in Mpumalanga reported having access to piped water inside their dwellings by 2022;

1.5 That almost 67% households have access to the internet through cell phones.

In welcoming the report, the Premier said the report and the data are key to assist the Provincial Government to deliver services from a research-based perspective. “We have taken a decision to provide services in an integrated approach. For example, EXCO resolved to build houses in areas with bulk infrastructure. This data is also crucial to deploy the limited resources where they are needed the most, in an effort to improve the lives of our people,” the Premier explained.


2. Adjustment of Departmental budgets

EXCO took note of the budget constraints that the Provincial Government finds itself in, due to the unfavourable economic conditions globally. Infrastructure projects, which are key levers of service delivery and jobs massification, were highlighted as priorities, as the Provincial Government is exploring measures to reprioritise budget allocation in light of the fiscus constraints. As such, departments and State-Owned Enterprises were directed to implement stringent fiscal discipline in an endevour to mitigate the impact of the limited financial resources.

EXCO resolved the following, in response to budget constraints:

2.1 That the budget for the finalisation of infrastructure projects, is provided without fail. These include the construction of health and education facilities that are underway, as well as the improvement of road conditions, envisaged during the rain season.

2.2 That disaster management material is provided for, to respond to emergencies during the same period;

2.3 To provide for the marketing of the Province during the festive season, in an effort to position Mpumalanga as a tourist destination of choice;

Further details of these measures, will be presented by MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Ms Nompumelelo Hlophe in the adjustment budget on the 21st of November 2023.


3. Launch of 16 Days of Activism on No Violence against Women and Children

EXCO expressed concern about the prevalent gruesome incidents of Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) in the Province. This in despite government’s implementation of drastic measures contained in the National Strategic Plan on Gender Based Violence and Femicide (NSP-GBVF), as announced by the President, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, last year.

Since Mpumalanga is designated to host the annual launch of the 16 Days of Activism on No Violence against Women and Children for the first time, EXCO views this as an opportunity to demonstrate recorded progress in the fight against the scourge in the Province.

The launch will take place under the theme: “Access to clean water for women: a basic human right contributing to ending gender based violence,” at the Nsikazi Stadium, in the City of Mbombela Local Municipality on the 25th of November 2023. EXCO highlighted the importance of coordinating build up activities, such as the Men’s Dialogue held in Mbombela recently, and the campaign to schools to conscientise learners about the impact of GBVF. The launch will take place under the theme: “Access to clean water for women: a basic human right contributing to ending gender based violence,” at the Nsikazi Stadium, in the City of Mbombela Local Municipality on the 25th of November 2023. EXCO highlighted the importance of coordinating build up activities, such as the Men’s Dialogue held in Mbombela recently, and the campaign to schools to conscientise learners about the impact of GBVF. EXCO resolved that a mass community mobilization should be intensified to attend the launch.

Ends...

Issued by Mpumalanga Provincial Government

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