EXCO COMMENDS STEVE TSHWETE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY FOR STRONG FINANCIAL VIABILITY AND FISCAL DISCIPLINE
The Premier of Mpumalanga Province, Mr. Mandla Ndlovu convened the sitting of the Executive Council (EXCO) on Tuesday to analyse the performance of the Mpumalanga Provincial Government.
The sitting discussed fundamental service delivery interventions and infrastructure development to intensify access of services by communities in Mpumalanga. Since the establishment of the 7th administration the sittings of EXCO focused on persistent socio-economic challenges, to align the Provincial Government’s response to the three priorities of inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the cost of living, as well as, building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.
Although the sitting analysed the performance of the Provincial Administration in addressing socio-economic conditions, however, more time was devoted towards the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality. This as the Provincial Legislature is on a week-long outreach programme, Taking Legislature To The People (TLP).
A service delivery research report of the Municipality was presented to EXCO, to understand the challenges that inhibit the improvement of the socio-economic conditions of the residents, for the acceleration of intervention measures.
Amongst the key findings highlighted in the report are, but not limited to the following:
- A strong financial discipline, debt control, and revenue management.
- A recorded qualified audit outcome for the 2024/2025 financial year.
- An approved 2026/27 budget, with a surplus amount of R325 million.
- Strong grant absorption, with a 100 percent expenditure achievement across key development grants.
- An up-to-date account balance with Eskom.
EXCO was satisfied about the progress demonstrated by the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality of maintaining financial viability, sound budget management, and operational stability.
Despite this improvement, EXCO noted the persistent demands of services due to the growing population, which increased from 229 831 in 2011 to 242 031 in 2022. Furthermore it was observed that various departments are implementing major intervention measures to meet the growing demand. These interventions include the following, but not limited to:
More than 4 600 housing are completed in Rondebosch, Reabota, Kwazamokuhle, Newtown, Doornkop, Nazareth and Rockdale by the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs, while an additional 62 new housing units are currently under construction and will be completed at the end of September this year.
A total number of 181 tittle deeds were delivered to their owners.
A new state-of-the art King Nyabela Hospital was completed to improve access to primary health care.
96.2 percent of households (77 010) had access to piped water by 2022, while 93.4% of households had access to electricity.
Mining is the cornerstone of the Municipality’s economy, and create many employment opportunities for the locals, while attracting residents outside the Municipality. To respond to the growing demand of services, EXCO resolved to invest massively in infrastructure development within the limited financial resources. The recent construction of the state-of-the art Rockdale Primary School, the Newtown Library and the King Nyabela hospital are a case in point.
EXCO urged communities to protect the facilities against vandalism.
Appointments
EXCO approved the following appointments, to improve the capacity of the administration to deliver services:
- Mr. Simphiwe Makahane - Director: Human Resources Practices and Administration (Public Works Roads and Transport).
- Ms. Precious Qwabe - Director: Research Services (Office of the Premier)
- Mr. Kabelo Scheepers - Director: Strategic Planning and Policy Development (Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs).
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.