The Mpumalanga Premier, Mr. Mandla Ndlovu and Members of the Executive Council (MECs) are in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality this week to attend the Take Legislature to the People (TLP) programme. The programme is initiated by the Legislature to promote public participation by the communities and accountability by the Executive.
Premier Ndlovu will deliver the closing address on Friday, on the last day of the sitting at the Ximhungwe Sports Field.
EXCO noted that a wide range of projects have been implemented over the years to improve the conditions of the communities in the municipality. Despite the interventions, challenges are still persistent, due to the growing population.
EXCO noted that lack of water, high unemployment and cases of crime, rank high among the challenges raised by communities, as recorded in a service delivery report for the municipality.
1. WATER INTERVENTIONS
The report provides evidence of bulk water projects implemented in various areas of the Municipality to improve access. High consumption of water by the growing population and illegal connections, are the main contributing factors for water challenges in the municipality.
In an effort to address these challenges, aggressive bulk water projects are implemented, such as the Zoeknog water package plant, in which R15 million was set aside for construction.
The municipality is implementing measures to reduce losses, through fixing of leakages. A team of engineers has been appointed. In addition, water tankers are deployed in areas with acute shortage, as a temporary arrangement.
EXCO resolved to intensify measures to improve the supply of water to the communities.
2. CRIME
EXCO expressed concern about the rate of crime and its threat to human lives. The manifestation of the construction mafia has exacerbated the level of crime, especially in areas such as Marite. Research data indicate that cases classified as serious crimes are high when compared to other categories of crime. The security cluster reported a number of measures to tackle the scourge, among them is the establishment of an Anti-Gang unit. The unit works closely with the Priority Crime Investigation team and the National Prosecution Authority to arrest and prosecute perpetrators.
EXCO urged the security cluster to heighten the implementation of crime awareness campaigns, such as Operation Shanela, a sporadic search operation, targeting crime hot spots.
3. UNEMPLOYMENT
Minimal job opportunities in the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality contributes significantly to the high unemployment rate, especially the youth. EXCO is concerned about the growing graph of unemployed graduates within the municipality, and expressed the need to cushion the impact by creating job opportunities in an accelerated pace.
The sitting observed that government’s interventions, through the Premier’s Youth Development Fund has created jobs in the areas where the enterprises are located. 20 youth enterprises have been funded to the tune of more than R11 million, over a period of time, and that 50 job opportunities have been created. The enterprises specialize in Information Communication Technology (ICT), Manufacturing, Textile, Transportation, and Agriculture, among others.
EXCO directed Departments such as Economic Development and Tourism to implement enterprise development programs for SMMEs, and the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs to expand support for farmers, for more job opportunities.
4. HERITAGE DAY
September is marked as heritage month in South Africa, and will be celebrated under theme: “Reimagine our heritage institutions for a new era”. The provincial event will take place next week on the 24th of September 2025 at the Thaba-Kgwali Sports Field at Grootvlei, Dipaleseng Local Municipality. The Premier will deliver the keynote address.
Among the objectives for the celebration, are to promote a heritage-driven entrepreneurship and support for the creative industries, to inspire young people to engage with heritage through technology, art, design, and innovation practitioners.
Preparations are at an advanced stage to host the provincial event. EXCO approved activities that support the heritage month celebration throughout September.
5. APPOINTMENT
EXCO approved the appointment of Mr. Skhumbuzo Khoza as Director for Information Technology (IT) in the Provincial Treasury.
ENDS...
Issued by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government
Office of the Premier
Contact Person: MEC Thulasizwe Thomo (Spokesperson - EXCO)
Enquiries: Mr George Mthethwa (Spokesperson - Provincial Government)
Contact: 013 766 2242/ 083 302 2774.