PREMIER NDLOVU CONVENES EXCO SITTING TO ACCELERATE SERVICE DELIVERY, INFRUSTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Mpumalanga Premier, Mr. Mandla Ndlovu, convened a sitting of the Executive Council (EXCO) to deliberate on key priorities relating to service delivery, infrastructure development, and economic growth.
During the sitting, EXCO commended the provincial government for its significant investment in infrastructure and called for intensified efforts towards the maintenance and preservation of provincial assets. EXCO emphasised that this remains a cornerstone of sustainable service delivery and long-term economic growth.
EXCO also noted the public statements and allegations made by the suspended SAPS Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Daphney Manamela, during her recent press conference. The allegations, which touch on matters of institutional integrity, governance, and the professional conduct of senior officials, are of a serious nature.
EXCO emphasised that these allegations warrant due consideration by relevant law enforcement and oversight bodies, and that they must be subjected to proper legal processes rather than remaining in the public domain.
EXCO further resolved on a number of strategic matters, including the operationalisation of the Mpumalanga International Food Market (MIFM), women empowerment initiatives, economic development programmes, and the upcoming Mbombela Tennis Tournament.
Operationalisation of the Mpumalanga International Food Market
Plans to operationalise the Mpumalanga International Food Market (MIFM) are at an advanced stage, with progress presented during the EXCO sitting. The provincial government conducted an extensive assessment of various models, including Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), benchmarking against fourteen food markets across the country.
EXCO endorsed the Public-Private Partnership model, noting its sustainability and its capacity to generate sufficient revenue to cover both operational and capital expenditure. The model further ensures that profits generated from market operations are ring-fenced to support ongoing infrastructure maintenance and future capital investment.
EXCO approved a series of build-up activities leading to the launch of the market. These include the opening of storage facilities, commencement of recruitment processes, system testing, and the transition to full-scale operations.
The Council expressed satisfaction that the market will stimulate economic growth, create much-needed employment opportunities in line with the priorities of the 7th Administration, and provide small-scale farmers with access to international markets for the export of their produce.
Progress Report on Women in Construction Programme
EXCO received a comprehensive progress report on the “Women in Construction” programme, a strategic intervention aimed at supporting women-owned construction companies.
The programme emanates from the Women in Construction Dialogue held in the Ehlanzeni District last year, which resolved, among others, that at least 40% of women-owned companies should benefit from government projects.
EXCO reaffirmed its commitment to achieving this target and resolved to broaden the scope to include additional sectors such as Supply Chain Management.
Additionally, EXCO resolved to closely monitor the implementation of these commitments by the relevant departments.
Progress Report on the Investment and Mining Conference
A progress report on the Investment and Mining Conference, held last year in Middelburg under the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, was also presented.
The conference secured investment pledges amounting to R238 billion across key sectors, including green energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure development.
Engagements with investors are currently underway and will be followed by the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to facilitate investment implementation. The MoUs will give impetus to engagement with relevant stakeholders to ensure that all challenges that affect the implementation of the projects are eliminated. The stakeholders include government departments, private sector, municipalities amongst others.
EXCO deliberated extensively on the report and directed the Department of Economic Development and Tourism to follow up on the pledges during the conference. EXCO noted the contributing factors for the non-implementation of some projects, emanating from the pledges and resolved to eliminate them.
Mpumalanga to Host International Tennis Tournament
Mpumalanga Province will host a globally sanctioned tennis tournament under the banner of the World Tennis Tour. This marks the first such event to be hosted in the province and the third in the country.
The Mbombela Tennis Tournament, under the theme “Greatest Tennis Experience in Africa”, will take place from 27 April to 10 May 2026 at Van Riebeeck Park (Mbombela Tennis Club).
The event presents an opportunity to position Mpumalanga as a premier tourism and sporting destination, while also driving economic activity and promoting youth development.
EXCO welcomed the tournament and encouraged young people to participate in this prestigious sporting event.
2026 Provincial Freedom Day Celebration
As the country prepares to commemorate Freedom Day, Mpumalanga will host its provincial celebration at Phola Sports Ground in the City of Mbombela on Monday, 27 April 2026.
This year’s theme, “Freedom and the Rule of Law: Thirty Years of Democratic Citizenship”, reflects South Africa’s enduring commitment to justice, equality, peace, and human dignity.
EXCO approved the necessary logistical arrangements for the provincial celebration and called on all communities to attend and participate in marking this important milestone.
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