Premier Mandla Ndlovu made the announcement on Wednesday, May 6, during the official opening of the Mpumalanga House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders. He said it was crucial for all traditional leaders to operate from modern, functional and dignified spaces.

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“We are restoring honour, we are building with purpose, and we are ensuring that the institutions of traditional leadership reflect the pride and strength of our people,” Ndlovu told guests.

He said 30 new Traditional Council offices had been constructed while 25 others had been renovated, furnished and equipped with connectivity and security features to improve operational efficiency. Five new offices in Matsamo, Amashangana, Mahlaphahlapha, Kwandwalaza and Ogenyaneni are now fully operational, providing suitable spaces for leadership, consultation and community engagement.

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“Looking ahead to 2026/27, our work continues with renewed urgency. We will construct additional Traditional Council offices, including the Office of King Makhosoke II.

“In Mpumalanga, no traditional leader shall ever serve under conditions that undermine their dignity or the respect their role commands,” Ndlovu added.

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It will be take place at Kghodwana Cultural Village on Friday, November 14 from 11:00. As the custodians of arts and culture in the province, the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation is pulling out all the stops to celebrate Dr Esther Mahlangu’s 90th birthday.

“We’re bringing everyone under one roof to celebrate the milestone of our national treasure and to honour her contribution to the arts. We’ve invited sister departments and the private sector to come together to make this milestone memorable for her
and what she stands for,” says the department’s spokesperson, Sibongile Nkosi, adding that the official hashtag of the birthday celebration is #90YearsOfDrEstherMahlangu.

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Born in Middelburg in 1935 on November 11, the soon-to-be nonagenarian has taken Ndebele art to the global stage. Throughout her illustrious career, she has served as a cultural ambassador, with her works exhibited in leading museums worldwide. She has collaborated with international brands and artists, including BMW, Belvedere Vodka, and John Legend.

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In recognition of her impact, a street in New York has been named in her honour, featuring a mural inspired by her iconic Ndebele designs. In 2018, the University of Johannesburg awarded her an honorary doctorate for her outstanding contribution to the arts.

“The Mpumalanga Provincial Government will celebrate her legacy and lifetime achievements with a programme that reflects her artistic journey and the cultural heritage she inspires,” concludes Nkosi.

The event details are as follows:
Date: Friday, November 14
Time: 11:00
Venue: Kghodwana Cultural Village, Thembisile Hani Local Municipality, Nkangala District

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Speaking at the launch last Thursday, Ndlovu said the establishment of the structure marks the pivotal turning point in the ongoing efforts of the Mpumalanga Provincial Government to identify skills that would contribute to economic growth.

The Council comprises of 53 members who represent different sectors such as the organised business, organised labour, civil society as well as government. It will function as a platform for ongoing dialogue and consensus-building among stakeholders regarding all issues related to human resource development.

In his keynote address, Ndlovu highlighted the advantage of establishing this structure in the province is the fact that its the same as a central hub for the formulation and implementation of women’s self-development strategies.

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“This will ensure that training and educational directly address the skills gaps that currently exist in our labour market.This approach will facilitate a more coherent response to to the demands of our local industries in giving competitors the information and deliberations that can serve the purpose of five areas of focus that we need to pay special attention to.”

The five areas of focus include the following:

• Strengthening the government and technical skills training
• Identifying impediments
• Provide Solutions
• Expand workplace-based learning
• Monitoring and evaluating the impact of HRT initiatives in the province

He added that promoting skill development in sectors will not only reduce unemployment rate but also stimulate inclusive economic growth and improve the overall standard of living for communities. He also urged council members within the administration to lead with integrity, transparency, agency and ensure that skills development budgets are better spent.

“If we focus on gender equality, youth empowerment and support for individuals with disabilities, we can build a more equitable workforce that reflects the diversity of our province. We are now all better placed to take forward the agenda of skills development, given the challenges facing the youth of the province and the country.”

“We must make it an urgent task that sitters and training institutions are integrated into local and district planning by ensuring that the youth have a clear pathway from education to employment, and in that way partners come to the party with commitment in training and absorption,” he concluded.

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The renaming was a tribute to the pioneering Matsebula Brothers – Sam, Michael, and Joseph – who founded Matsebula Bus Service in 1959, laying the foundation for what is now known as Buscor, a leading commuter transport operator in the province.

The Matsebula Brothers’ legacy, built on hard work, determination, and community spirit, has endured for generations, shaping the lives of countless commuters and contributing to the region’s economic and social development.

Speaking during the event, Mashila Ngwenya Matsebula, the family spokesperson, took a trip down memory lane, sharing: “I was there when the three brothers started this business. They began with what little they had, purchasing their first bus, which laid the foundation for them to acquire more. Today, we’re proud to honor their legacy, which has had a profound impact on our community. Their selflessness and dedication to providing transportation services have inspired many, and we’re grateful for their contributions.”

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The ceremony was attended by prominent leaders from the Mpumalanga Provincial Government, Ehlanzeni District Municipality, local municipalities, security cluster, civil society, traditional leadership, and members of the public. Dan Mkhatshwa, a Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC), praised the Matsebula Brothers’ entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to the community.

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“We’re deeply humbled to be part of this occasion. This is truly history in the making. As local government, we have confidence that the Matsebula family will preserve this legacy for future generations. Their story is a shining example of how success can be achieved and leave a lasting impact on the community.”

The renaming of the bus terminus is a fitting tribute to the Matsebula Brothers’ pioneering work and a celebration of the impact they have had on the community. Their legacy will continue to inspire future generations, serving as a reminder of the power of hard work, determination, and community spirit.

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READ | Premier declares service delivery is on the right track

The Provincial Government claimed a second spot in a category of service delivery innovation. Although Kenya won the competition in this category however, the team is on a quest to win the first spot.

Preparations to contest fiercely for a win in 2025 will start soon for the 10th edition of the competition in Ethiopia. The competition is held bi-annually in June, to showcase the innovation of public servants in the delivery of services to communities.

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“We have put Mpumalanga on the map on the content’s free trade and that public servants are fit for purpose. This initiative is spearheaded by the African Union, where we were celebrating Africa Public Service Day. We are looking forward to travelling to Ethiopia in 2025 and we envisage taking the first spot,” said Dr Masekane Mabelane, the Acting Deputy Director-General of Institutional Development in the Office of the Premier.

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Mpumalanga Province has built 36 415 housing units, thus leaving them with a backlog of only seven percent of people living still living in informal dwellings. “This backlog, will be eradicated before the end of this Sixth Administration of the Mpumalanga Provincial Government. Around 86% of people in Mpumalanga have access to piped water and a further 90% of our people reside in electrified dwellings. “We have recently completed the construction of Empumelelweni extensions 7 and 9 Internal Sewers in Emalahleni in order to improve sewage related challenges in the area.

READ | 90 000 job opportunities to be created for the youth

“Through the Integrated National Electrification Programme (INEP), we have secured R110 million for the electrification of Siyanqoba in Emalahleni which will commence in the weeks ahead. “We are making progress with the construction of the Linah Malatjie Tertiary hospital. We have completed the environmental impact studies and construction is set to commence during the course of this year.

“Over the past 29 years, we have demonstrated our responsive character, by responding to the needs and cries of our people. The traffic congestion complaints at Emalahleni City Centre, is, but one classical example. We will construct a bridge from Emalahleni City Centre leading to Pine Ridge, Clarinet, Siyanqoba and Verena in order to improve safety and ease traffic flow in that area.

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“The celebration of this milestone, also serves as an opportunity to reflect on how far we have progressed in the mammoth task of improving the lives of our people, since democracy. We acknowledge that, much more still needs to be done, over a period of time.
“However, the steady progress of improving the quality of the lives of the poorest, must encourage us to move with greater speed to bring a better life to all our people, to finally defeat poverty and underdevelopment within our Province,” she told a crowd that gathered in a marquee inside the Sy Mthimunye Stadium in Ackerville, Emalahleni.

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IMPROVING TOURISM IN THE PROVINCE

The Executive Council endorsed a report outlining the strategic positioning of the Province as a tourism destination of choice.

In order to drive this process, the Provincial Government will, among others, prioritise the maintenance of roads and other related infrastructure within the surrounds of tourism attraction sites. 

Furthermore, the Cabinet endorsed the Greater Kruger Strategic Development Programme which will, upon implementation, improve the revenue capacity of the Kruger National Park while alleviating poverty and creating employment in communities around the Kruger National Park entrance points.

E-Learning facilities and the incorporation of coding and robotics in schools across the Province

The Executive Council resolved to provide e-learning equipment to learners. This initiative will target an initial cohort of grade 12 learners. This decision is informed by a number of factors key, among which, is the onerous impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the education system in 2020. In order to mitigate the loss of academic time necessitated by the lockdown, the Mpumalanga Provincial Government will ensure that learners are able to continue with the curriculum in instances where physical school attendance is not possible.

The Executive Council also resolved to pilot the incorporation of coding and robotics in the foundation phase curriculum. This will ensure the development of digital skills for students from all walks of life. 

COVID-19 VACCINATION ROLL OUT PLAN PHASE 2

The Executive Council endorsed the report on the state of readiness of the Province to commence to stage two of the Covid-19 vaccine roll out plan. This phase of the roll-out plan will commence on May 17 and will target people over 60 years of age and those with comorbidities.

INVOCATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF S139(7) OF THE CONSTITUTION AT THE LEKWA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

The Executive Council endorsed a report outlining the road map towards the dissolution of the Lekwa Local Municipality Council in accordance with s139(7) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. The decision will stabilise the functionality of the Municipality whilst ensuring the delivery of basic services for the people of Lekwa. 

UPLIFTMENT OF INTERVENTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH S139(1) (B) OF THE CONSTITUTION AT THE GOVAN MBEKI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

The Executive Council received a progress report on the intervention at Govan Mbeki Local Municipality in accordance with section 139(1) (b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 

In light of the positive developments at the Municipality, the Executive Council resolved to uplift the intervention and provide support to the Municipality in accordance with Sections 154(1) and Section 155(6) of the Constitution. 

 
GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF GREEN ECONOMY PLAN

The Executive Council endorsed the green economy plan. The plan outlines the Province’s approach towards the reduction of carbon emissions across the Province.

The Executive Council directed the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs to foster multi sectoral collaborations with all stakeholders to ensure the requisite buy in order to expedite the implementation of the plan.

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