EXCO IS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE SUCCESS OF HOSTING G20 TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP IN MPUMALANGA
The Mpumalanga Premier, Mr. Mandla Ndlovu convened the sitting of the Executive Council (EXCO) on Wednesday, which marked the first since his return from the Republic of China. Premier Ndlovu led a high powered delegation, which included MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, Ms. Nomphumelelo Hlophe, and the Director-General, Ms. Maggie Skosana.
The Premier charecterised the outcome of the visit as a huge success. He signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with targeted Chinese investors.
The MoU is a milestone achievement and serves as a cornerstone of various measures to operationalize the Mpumalanga International Food Market. The delegation visited the Longnan City, renowned as the capital of traditional medicine and olive oil production facilities, as well as the Tianshui Inland Port, a model area for modern agricultural development.
During the sitting, Premier Ndlovu commended MEC Speed Mashilo of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), who acted in the position. He says Mr. Mashilo displayed a sterling leadership during the short stint, by ensuring that the Provincial Government execute its mandate in line with the Constitutional requirement.
EXCO discussed extensively the state of readiness to host the G20 Technical Working Group on Women and Persons with Disabilities. It is one of the crucial events to be hosted in Mpumalanga, since South Africa took over the Presidency in November last year, from Brazil.
G20 Technical Working Group on Women and Persons with Disabilities.
Plans are at an advanced stage to host the G20 Technical Working Group on Women and Persons with Disabilities. The G20 is an intergovernmental group of sovereign countries which address and shape policy positions of the member states on global issues, among them, the economy, climate change and sustainable development.
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has designated Mpumalanga as the second province to host the major event, after the North West province.
The recent build-up activity, held at Eziphunzini community hall in the Mkhondo Local Municipality, in which the Department engaged communities, signify the determination of this highly anticipated G20 Technical Working Group, to achieve set objectives, of advancing gender responsive economic policies.
EXCO noted that the event will take place from 1-4 July 2025 at the Kruger National Park. Furthermore, EXCO noted that the hosting of the event is timely, as it will activate economic opportunities that are associated with functions of this magnitude.
Premier Ndlovu’s assertion that the province’s scenic beauty is unique, confirms EXCO’s optimism that the G20 dignitaries will experience the hospitality and tourism offering of Mpumalanga. “We are excited to host diplomats representing the G20 member states. This is an opportunity for the province to showcase the scenic beauty, and create a lasting impression for our guests. This will lure them back, post-G20 functions,” the Premier elaborated.
Women in business, especially the Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) sector, will be invited to market their commodities.
EXCO’s observation is that the province is well positioned to provide the required logistics, such as transport, accommodation facilities and hospitality services as inherent requirements for the G20 functions.
The sitting expressed optimism that the province will host a successful G20 Technical Working Group on Women and Persons with Disabilities.
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.