The Premier also acknowledged that service delivery remains a major concern in several municipalities, noting that aging infrastructure, water and sanitation challenges, population growth and limited technical capacity continue to place pressure on local authorities. Ndlovu said municipalities remain responsible for providing essential services such as water, electricity, sanitation and waste management, but many are struggling with operational and infrastructure constraints.
Image: Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu arrives at the State of the Province Address. Photo: Bridget Mpande / Mpumalanga News.
Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu outlined government’s priorities for economic growth, job creation, infrastructure development and improved service delivery during the 2026 State of the Province Address (SOPA) delivered on March 5, 2026. The address highlighted progress in reducing poverty, supporting young entrepreneurs, attracting investment and strengthening infrastructure, while also acknowledging ongoing challenges faced by municipalities and communities across the province.
Addressing poverty reduction and economic growth, Ndlovu said the provincial economy is gradually improving, with declining unemployment, reduced poverty levels and lower inequality compared to previous years.
He said employment levels reached their highest recorded level in the fourth quarter of 2025.
”Statistics South Africa reported that by the end of 2025, 1.28 million people were working in Mpumalanga, the highest number ever recorded. The province added about 37,420 jobs compared to the previous quarter, making it the second-best performing province for job growth.” Ndlovu said.
On youth development and job creation the Premier acknowledged that youth unemployment remains a serious concern and highlighted several programmes aimed at tackling youth unemployment and expanding opportunities for young people, including:
- Premier’s Youth Development Fund – has supported more than 280 youth-owned enterprises, with funding amounting to approximately R358 million.
- Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) – provides temporary employment opportunities and work experience through public sector projects.
- Youth employment programmes – initiatives designed to help young people enter the job market and gain practical skills.
- Agricultural support programmes for young entrepreneurs – aimed at assisting youth to participate in farming and agri-business sectors.
- Real estate training and placement programme – a newly announced initiative that will create 200 job opportunities through a partnership with the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority and Services SETA.
Infrastructure investment also featured prominently in the address. Speaking on roads and infrastructure, the Premier said the province invested around R2.5 billion in road infrastructure over the past year across both urban and rural areas. Several road upgrades and bridge projects are currently in planning or construction phases, including improvements to tourist access routes.
“We have identified infrastructure as a catalyst for social economic growth. Investment in infrastructure drives jobs directly through construction and maintenance, and indirectly by enhancing productivity and lowering business costs.” Ndlovu said.
He futher added that government is working with the Department of Water and Sanitation on several projects, including the Loskop bulk water scheme, which is nearing completion and expected to improve water supply in affected areas. Other projects include dam construction, wastewater treatment upgrades and pipeline expansions aimed at strengthening long-term water security.
“The provincial government has made a firm decision to intervene and assist municipalities facing difficulties. So together with our municipalities, we are going to give services to our people. Our municipalities are now conducting skills audit to identify administrative and technical gaps.” Ndlovu said.
The Premier concluded that while progress has been made in areas such as economic recovery, job creation and infrastructure development, continued collaboration between government, the private sector and communities will be essential to address the province’s remaining challenges.