EXCO APPROVES PLANS TO STRENGTHEN GOVERNANCE AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES IN MPUMALANGA
Strengthening governance and improving the socio-economic conditions of communities in the Mpumalanga province, is central to the Provincial Government's programme of action. Against this backdrop, the Executive Council (EXCO) convened an ordinary session on Wednesday to consider and approve a range of plans aimed at modernising government systems, expanding economic opportunities and strengthening the institutional structures that underpin service delivery.
The session was the last to be held in August, a month which was declared as Women’s month to celebrate the role of women in the country’s struggle against the injustice of apartheid. In line with the August theme, EXCO hosted newly appointed Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police, Lt-General, Nkakoane Modise.
In his remarks, Premier Mr. Mandla Ndlovu congratulated Modise in her appointment and further expressed a commitment to support her in the execution of her duties of fighting crime and law enforcement measures. “We are happy to welcome a woman of your calibre in this position, who has earned her stripes as a tactician of crime-fighting. We will depend on your long experience in the police ranks, to step up the fight against the construction mafias, the criminal cartels who interrupt our water projects, and many unresolved cases,” the Premier remarked.
According to Premier Ndlovu, Modise’s appointment at this level complement the growing list of women who occupy strategic positions in the province in the echelons of different sectors, such as ‘the Director-General in the Office, Ms. Maggie Skosana, Prof. Thenjiwe Meyiwa of the University of Mpumalanga, Heads of Department, to mention but a few’.
EXCO’s sitting on Wednesday further reinforced the Provincial Government’s interventions, which are firmly anchored in the priorities of the 7th Administration, of driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical and developmental state.
A plan to establish a Skills Development Zone (SDZ) as part of the Just Energy Transition, was presented to EXCO.
1. REPORT ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SKILLS DEVELOPMENT ZONE
EXCO considered the plan to establish a Skills Development Zone (SDZ) in Mpumalanga. The province has been identified, alongside the Northern Cape and Eastern Cape, for the rollout of SDZs, due to a high concentration of coal-fired power stations and coal mining operations. These stations place Mpumalanga at the centre of South Africa's energy transition.
EXCO noted that TVET colleges across various Mpumalanga municipalities are designated as anchor institutions for the SDZ, and will ensure a broad participation across the province.
The official launch, proposed for October 2026, will bring together government, education and training institutions, industry, labour and community stakeholders in a show of collective commitment to the province's energy transition.
By channeling training and employment pathways into the province's coal-mining and power generation communities, the SDZ stands to prevent workers and local economies against the impact of power station decommissioning, while opening the door to new opportunities in the green and renewable energy sector. EXCO approved the SDZ report and the plan to launch it officially.
The SDZ will strengthen skills development and training opportunities, particularly in areas linked to the province's changing energy landscape, while equipping young people and communities with the skills needed to participate meaningfully in the economic opportunities located in the energy sector.
2. REPORT ON THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION STRATEGY AND CYBER SECURITY PLAN
The Provincial Government is pacing itself with digitalisation trends. A Digital Transformation Strategy, which reaffirms Mpumalanga’s determination to digital transformation, was presented to EXCO, led by the Provincial Treasury.
The strategy promotes the modernisation of systems, improve stakeholder engagement and enhance operational efficiency. Its strategic pillars lay the foundation for a smart, agile and secured digital government that delivers value, enables innovation and improves the lives of citizens.
EXCO noted that the strategy propels government to shift towards a paperless environment. The introduction of the e-recruitment system, the invoice management system, the revenue enhancement system, and the Patient Record Management in the health sector, are a case in point.
Among the cost benefits of the strategy, are the real-time, data-driven decision-making and proactive service delivery, which are key for efficiency, across all departments.
Although technological advancement has inherent risks, chief among them hacking of the systems, however, EXCO is satisfied that the strategy places an emphasis on protecting and securing government information through the implementation of the Cyber Security Plan.
EXCO approved the Digital transformation strategy.
APPOINTMENTS
EXCO approved the following appointments to strengthen the capacity of the Office of the Premier.
- Ms. Precious Tlou - Director: Forensic Investigations.
- Ms. Sibongile Mkani-Mpolweni - Director: Corporate Communication Services.
- Mr. Silence Mhlaba - Director: Community Outreach Services.
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.