MPUMALANGA PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT IS MAKING STRIDES IN THE IMPROVEMENT OF SERVICE DELIVERY IN CHIEF ALBERT LUTHULI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
The Mpumalanga Provincial Government is implementing major projects to improve service delivery in the Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality.
The details of the projects are contained in a service delivery report which was presented during the extended Executive Council (EXCO) sitting, convened by the Premier, Mr Mandla Ndlovu on Wednesday. The projects are implemented by various Provincial Departments. The municipality, with a population of 247 000 people, is hosting the Taking the Legislature to the People (TLP) programme this week, convened by the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature.
Statistically, the municipality contributed 2.2 percent to the provincial economy and 8.3 percent to the district’s economy in 2024, making it the 5th smallest economy in the district. According to Census 2022, at least 59 000 of the 63 300 households lived in formal dwellings in Chief Albert Luthuli, 88.1 percent had access to piped water, while 98 percent had access to a toilet.
Through coordinated efforts between the Provincial Departments and the Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality, several high-impact projects have reached critical milestones, addressing historical backlogs such as water, road infrastructure, and primary healthcare.
EXCO took a number of fundamental resolutions in an effort to improve service delivery in Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality, which include the following, but not limited to:
CONSTRUCTION OF A SPECIAL SCHOOL
EXCO acknowledged the renovations at Lilanga Secondary School, the provision of additional classrooms at Chief Jerry Secondary School due to damages caused by heavy rains, and measures to address overcrowding at Highveld Secondary School.
EXCO directed the Department of Education to prioritise a construction of a new school in response to a community request during the TLP programme.
Additionally, EXCO directed the security cluster to take drastic measures for the safety of learners at Ngilandi Secondary School, whose lives are threatened by illegal mining occurring at the vicinity of the school.
SUPPLY OF MEDICINE
EXCO supported efforts to improve the clinic infrastructure at Diepdale, Mayflower, and Newstand. Furthermore, EXCO recommended that a feasibility study be conducted to determine if the request by residents for a new hospital meet the requirements, and directed the Department of Health to take prompt action for the adequate supply of medication at identified health facilities.
TACKLING YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT THROUGH YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FUND
EXCO noted the funding of 12 youth-owned enterprises through the Premier’s Youth Development Fund (PYDF), to the tune of R12.4 million, and the 48 permanent jobs created, since the inception of the grant. EXCO advised the Office of the Premier to increase the PYDF to support additional young entrepreneurs, as a measure to address youth unemployment.
IMPROVEMENT OF ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE
EXCO acknowledged the impact of the scholar transport services. Through this support, more than 4 300 learners from 43 schools within Chief Albert Luthuli, are benefitting.
EXCO directed the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport as well as the Local and District municipalities to facilitate the improvement of the poor roads conditions, affected by recent rainfall.
ADMINISTRATIVE DECISIONS
EXCO approved the extension of contracts for the following Heads of Departments:
- Mr Cain Chunda: Head of Department for Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs for a period of five years (2026 – 2031).
- Dr Lucas Ndhlovu: Head of Department for Health for a period of five years (2026 – 2031).
ENDS...
Issued by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government
Office of the Premier
Contact Person: MEC Thulasizwe Thomo (EXCO Spokesperson)
Enquiries: Mr George Mthethwa (Mpumalanga Provincial Government Spokesperson)
Contact: 013 766 2242/ 083 302 2774.