Mpumalanga Premier Mabuza in good spirit after return to work
19 November 2015
Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza is still in good spirits after returning back to work on Tuesday [17 November 2015] and assuming his position as the Premier after a two-month sick leave.
Premier Mabuza has fully recovered but has declared that he would want to stay focused and manage his time wisely for the first few weeks in office in order to gain more strength.
The Premier thanked all the citizens of Mpumalanga for their understanding during the time he was not at work. The Premier also thanked Community Safety Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe for the leadership he provided as the Acting Premier while the Premier was away.
Under the capable hands of MEC Shongwe as the Acting Premier, the provincial government continued with its operations to deliver services to the people, it was never affected negatively by the Honourable Premier’s absence.
“I can tell you with confidence that I am well, I have been given a new energy, in actual fact I have been rejuvenated. I must however concede that I am not that strong for now, I would want to stay focused and manage my time wisely at work until I get enough strength, ” said Mabuza.
The Premier said his sickness was severe and his absence from work was also a difficult period for his family, as some people spread the mischievous rumours about his life.
The Premier has called on the South Africans to be supportive, caring and loving to other people and their families especially at a time of need, instead of being too critical even to good things.
“I am so grateful, I did not know that people like me so much. I have realized that people were very worried about my illness. While I was in hospital, I received more than 7000 messages on my cell-phone from the people who wished me a speedy recovery,” said Mabuza.
According to the Premier, it will now be business unusual for the remaining four months of the financial year for the provincial government. All, will work with speed in delivering the services.
The provincial government will continue to prioritise the delivery of basic services such as water and sanitation, housing, roads and public infrastructure.
“We are going to continue try and streamline our work, I am not going to be everywhere, I will allow myself a period of recovery. Let us focus our minds and speed up the service delivery for our people,” said Mabuza.
The Premier is enthused to be back and to continue his role as provincial ANC Chairperson and founder of the DD Mabuza Foundation where he will continue to mobile resources for education and decent homes for those not privileged
On Tuesday he was well received by more than 2000 people who had gathered in front of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature.
Issued by Zibonele Mncwango
Spokesperson: Mpumalanga Premier Mpumalanga Provincial Government
Office of the Premier
Tel: (013) 766 – 2453
Mobile: 079 491 0163
E-mail: mncwangoz@prem.mpg.gov.za
Alternative: zibonelemncwango@gmail.com