Mpumalanga Premier, Mr. Mandla Ndlovu will lead a high-level outbound investment mission to the People’s Republic of China from 14 – to 23 June 2025.
The Premier’s mission is geared towards the operationalization of the Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market (MIFPM), the first large-scale market infrastructure in the province.
Agriculture contributes significantly to the economic growth and job creation in the Province, and Premier Ndlovu says the Chinese trip is key in laying a strong foundation for the realization of these aspirations.
“We are targeting the Chinese markets because they are reputable trade institutions internationally for the export of agricultural commodities. We will visit cities with a growing population and strong Gross Domestic Products (GDP). These are the values we are looking for in a quest to make the Fresh Produce Market, a game-changer in the food chain industry,” Mr Ndlovu stresses.
The Premier believes the market will contribute significantly towards the transformation of the farming sector, and this include training of farmers to obtain licenses of trading in the international markets.
The strategic visit comprises of the delegation inclusive of MEC Nomphumelelo Hlophe for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs as well as senior officials of the Provincial Government.
The outbound visit will be undertaken at Shanghai Cooperation Organisation for trade investment, Longnan City, renowned for traditional medicine, mining and olive oil production and the Tianshui Inland Port, a model area for modern agricultural development.
The Premier says the visit is timely; “The visit must be seen in the context of a determination by the 7th administration to reduce unemployment and poverty in Mpumalanga. It comes at the time when this administration is on a quest to drive an inclusive growth and job creation and to reduce poverty. It is envisaged that 1500 job opportunities will be created, while 1400 farmers across the province will benefit once the Fresh Produce Market is in operation,” he expatiated.
He added that the International Fresh Produce Market will be operational before the end of the year.
The visit will start from the 14th to the 23rd of June 2025. Premier Ndlovu has in accordance with section 131 (1) (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa appointed Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs MEC, Mr. Speed Mashilo, as the Acting Premier during this period.
MEC Mashilo will be sworn-in as the Acting Premier by Judge President of the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court, Justice Segopotje Mphahlele as follows;
Date: Wednesday, 11 June 2025
Time: 09h00
Venue: EXCO Boardroom, Building 2, Riverside Government Complex
Mbombela
For RSVPs, kindly contact Ms Phumla Mokoena (Office of the Premier) on 060 998 8781 or mokoenapi@mpg.gov.za.
ENDS…
Issued by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government
Office of the Premier
Enquiries: Mr Zibonele Mncwango (Acting Provincial Government Spokesperson)
082 616 6698
N.B. Please note that due to unforeseen circumstances, the details for the swearing-in of the Acting Premier were changed to same day at 17h00.