PREMIER NDLOVU REINFORCES GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO ADDRESS SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHALLENGS AT EXCO MEETING.
The Premier of Mpumalanga Province, Mr Mandla Ndlovu convened an Executive Council (EXCO) meeting on Wednesday, as the Provincial Government reinforce measures to address socio-economic challenges. The meeting comes in the wake of country-wide marches to protest against undocumented foreign nationals.
In Mpumalanga the marches took place in eMalahleni and Thaba Chweu Local Municipalities respectively, with a small group staging a march at the City of Mbombela Local Municipality. In his remarks, Premier Ndlovu commended the law enforcement and the communities for their highly professional, tactical, and successful management of Tuesday's protests. He noted that the visibility and containment strategies implemented by law enforcement agencies ensured that economic activities and the public service are not disrupted.
“While we appreciate the peace and order maintained during the protests, it is a clear that the frustrations voiced by our people regarding illegal immigration are valid and they require a swift response. Our administration must step up, enforce the laws rigorously, and accelerate the delivery of services,” elaborated Premier Ndlovu.
During the session, EXCO resolved on a number of socio-economic issues with a direct impact to the livelihoods of communities in Mpumalanga. Among them is the high rate of teenage pregnancies in the province.
TEENAGE PREGNANCIES IN MPUMALANGA
A research study which reveals a high rate of teenage pregnancies in Mpumalanga, was presented to EXCO. The study lists Mpumalanga among the provinces with the highest prevalence of adolescent pregnancies, with 15.2% of mothers under the age of 20 years. Ehlanzeni District is regarded as a regional hotspot and is ranked third in the country with high statistics.
EXCO observed the following findings from the study, namely:
- Of the estimated 63,200 deliveries during the 2025/2026 financial year, 10,363 (16%) were child and teenage mothers aged between 10 and 19 years.
- A total of 227 (2.2%) deliveries were recorded in the 10–14 years age group, while 10,136 (97.8%) were recorded in the 15–19 years age cohort.
Ehlanzeni District recorded the highest number of 51 percent, compared to Gert Sibande’s 27.7 percent, and Nkangala’s 20.8 percent respectively.
The findings in the study attribute the causal factors to, among others, early sexual debut, substance abuse, poverty and low socio-economic status, lack of education, limited access to reproductive health services and cultural and social norms.
The study proposes essential interventions to address the teenage pregnancies phenomenon in the province, such as a comprehensive sexuality education through community outreach and health promotion programmes and legal obligation to report suspected cases of child abuse by filling in Form 22.
EXCO approved the findings of the study and implementation of the following recommendations, namely:
- Support and strengthen prevention and protection interventions, including adolescent sexual and reproductive health programmes and community-level behavioural change campaigns.
- Additional resource allocation for high-burden districts, particularly Ehlanzeni ensuring a coordinated cross-sector allocation.
- Mandate formalisation of interdepartmental governance structures, including MOUs and joint implementation plans between the Departments of Health, Education, and Social Development.
- Approval of an integrated dashboard to monitor teenage pregnancy trends, school dropouts, post-natal follow-up, and mandatory filling in of Form 22.
TRANSLATION OF CRIME WARDENS TO TRAFFIC WARDENS AND GBVF BRIGADES.
Mpumalanga is not immune from the scourge of crime and the crisis of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), despite the ongoing efforts of tackling these social challenges threating the lives of communities.
A progress report which illustrates the steps taken to convert crime wardens into traffic wardens and Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Brigades was presented to EXCO.
The recruitment of the crime wardens took place in December 2024 and was conducted by the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL), with 1200 young people recruited for a two-year contract, as Crime Prevention Wardens (CPWs). The primary objective of this initiative was to bolster provincial crime prevention strategies through integrated community led interventions.
The establishment of the CPWs project into full operation through training and registering the CPWs changed, when it emerged that there was no legal basis for the establishment.
Consequently, trained traffic wardens are now focusing on road safety education programmes in schools while also conducting search and seizure operations in problematic schools, working in close collaboration with the police.
The appointment and duties of the Traffic Wardens are governed by the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996, which provides the legal mandate for traffic management and enforcement, while the GBVF Brigades are appointed in accordance with the Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998, which establishes obligations for law enforcement and victim protection.
The report provides steps taken to translate 657 crime wardens into traffic wardens and 554 into GBVF Brigades and their deployment across the three Districts. Furthermore, it provides information about the 554 Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Brigades have been deployed across the province, spanning all three regions and every policing precinct.
EXCO noted that six hundred and fifty seven (657) wardens have also received training from the Mpumalanga Traffic Training College, while four hundred and fifty three (453) GBVF Brigades are still receiving training as per the desired training scheduled that will be completed by the end of July.
REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE ADJUDICATION OF ROAD TRAFFIC OFFENCES (AARTO)
A report for the implementation of Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) was presented to the EXCO sitting. The implementation came into effect from the beginning of July this year, and will bring demerit points, holding motorists accountable for repeated offences. Unlike the previous policy which made provision for traffic fines to expire within a period of 18 to 24 months, AARTO makes it a punishable offence the failure to pay a traffic fine.
Through AARTO traffic infringements will now be dealt with through an administrative adjudication system. The administration process include sending of a courtesy letter to the offender, with additional costs, such as administrative fees.
The report further outlines punitive measures to be taken against motorists who fail to act on the courtesy letter, such as blocking them from renewing vehicle or driving licence, attachment of movable property or warrant of execution.
Motorists will accumulate demerits of points for traffic infringements. An accumulation of 15 points, will result in a suspension of a licence for three months. The licence will be cancelled permanently should the motorist commit infringements three times. However, the demerits will be reduced by a point for every three months of not commit any traffic violation.
Although the report assert punitive measures, however, it also contains relief measures, such as payment period of 32 days to settle the penalty and receive a 50% discount.
EXCO approved the implementation of the AARTO as one of the instruments for road safety.
PROVINCIAL WATER INDABA REPORT
The Provincial Government is hard at work to improve the delivery of water to meet the rapid population growth and industrialisation in Mpumalanga. According to research studies, 87 percent of households in Mpumalanga have access to water. The province is exploring various ways to ensure that all households have access to water, despite a broad range of
challenges, such as ageing and vandalisation of the infrastructure as well as limited budget allocations.
Recently the province convened a Water Indaba to explore mechanism to improve the delivery of water. The indaba explored implementation models, increasing investment through financing options, strengthening technical and operational capacity and efficiency and building partnerships with water resilient communities.
A report with details about the outcome of the indaba was presented to EXCO. It contains the deliberations of the indaba, including fostering of knowledge-sharing to address local water challenges, pollution, and access to clean water, promotion of water conservation and sustainability through sanitation initiatives.
EXCO noted the resolutions, and approved the implementation of the following recommendations:
- Increase investment through financing options and ensuring the financial viability of the sector.
- Enhance and strengthen technical and operational capacity and efficiency.
- Fighting criminality and corruption in the water and sanitation sector.
The report contains proposals that stakeholders offered for the province to realise its water delivery objectives. Among the proposals is the ring-fencing of water revenue, implementation of a 10 percent minimum budget for operations and maintenance, signing of MOUs with Engineering Institutions and retired Engineers as well as the use of technology.
EXCO approved the report for implementation to advance the delivery of water to the communities of Mpumalanga.
EVALUATION STUDY OF SAKH’ABAKHI DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
EXCO analysed the key findings of an evaluation study which was conducted by a team of evaluators to determine the effectiveness of the Sakh’ abakhi Emerging Contractor Development Programme. This is a three year programme located within the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport (PWR&T) and was established to support women emerging contractors in the infrastructure sector through extensive training.
Despite inadequate funding, which affect the sustainability of the programme, the Contractor Development programme has recorded notable successes, since its inception. The report outlines measures to improve the implementation of the programme. These include, but not limited to, the recruitment of experienced mentors, with relevant qualifications in construction, ring-fencing of projects for the programme, enlist emerging contractors with relevant construction bodies such as the South African Women In Construction (SAWIC) and the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC).
EXCO approved the findings of the evaluation study and recommended the implementation of the improvement plan.
RELOCATION PLAN OF THE NALEDI AND LESEDI RESIDENTS TO RONDEBOSCH IN STEVE TSHWETE MUNICIPALITY
A plan to relocate residents of Lesedi and Naledi to Rondebosch in Steve Tshwete Local Municipality was presented to EXCO. The two villages have been identified for mining activities. The plan outlines infrastructure development measures to support the relocation of the residents.
The relocation plan will be implemented in a phased-in approach. Phase 1 entails the identification of Rondebosch area for relocation, the establishment of project governing structures, the planning, design and proclamation of the area. These activities have been completed.
Phase 2 entails site allocations to beneficiaries, identification of funding for the construction of houses, allocation of service stands to qualifying beneficiaries and the relocation of residents. Phase 3 entails the allocation of serviced stands and relocation, for people earning in excess of R3500 per month, and the construction of more houses.
EXCO noted the supporting role of the Seriti Mine, which is committed to provide transport for the relocation of residents and the construction of two schools at Rondebosch. In addition, EXCO noted that the construction of bulk water and sewer connections is progressing according to plans, and that a mini substation has been energised to supply electricity to the new area.
EXCO approved the relocation of the residents from Naledi and Lesedi villages to Rondebosch.
DELEGATION TO ATTEND AIDS CONFERENCE IN BRAZIL
EXCO has approved the trip to Brazil of a delegation of five members to represent Mpumalanga at the 26th International AIDS Conference. The delegation will be led by MEC for Health, Ms Sasekani Manzini to attend the conference, from 26 – 31 July 2026 at the capital, Rio de Janeiro.
The delegation will join researchers, medical professionals, public health specialists, policy makers, human rights activists, and People Living with HIV, to discuss intensification measures against the spread of HIV/AIDS.
EXCO noted that South Africa remains in the forefront of initiating patients on the Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) programme, and that the conference is a crucial platform to learn best practices from countries that have implemented Community Based Testing, in order to increase the number of people on treatment.
Appointments:
The following appointments were approved in the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA).
- Dr Noluthando Ndashe: Director - Veterinary Animal Health Services.
- Ms Thandolwethu Cele: Director - Asset Management Facilities.
- Ms Sizakele Mshayisa: Director - Management Accounting.
- Mr Erick Gcaba: Director - Internal Audit.
EXCO concurred with the appointment of the following Board Members of the Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA) for a period not exceeding four years:
- Mr Jabulani Mahlangu (Chairperson)
- Ms Nkateko Khoza
- Mr Sipho William Lubisi
- Ms Busisiwe Shiba
- Mr Zakithi Makhubu
- Ms Elizabeth Mokoena
- Ms Noxolo Oyiya
- Mr Jacques Modipane
- Advocate Mthokozisi Xulu
- Mr December Mavuso
- Rev. Micah Nthali
EXCO concurred with the appointment of the following Board Members of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) for a period not exceeding four years:
1. Mr Fish Mahlalela (Chairperson)
2. Mr Sizile Ndlovu
3. Mr Walter Makgai
4. Ms Mohita Latchminarain
5. Ms Gladys Monama
6. Ms Norah Mahlangu
7. Prof. David Mabunda
8. Mr Andy Le Monnier
9. Mr Emmanuel Mtshali
10. Ms Gloria Thabethe
11. Ms Nomndeni Motha.
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.