Premier Mathabatha upbeat after debate on State of Province Address
The Premier of Limpopo Mr. Chupu Stanley Mathabatha has come out of the Provincial Legislature buoyed after a debate on his State of the Province Address (SOPA) held in Lebowakgomo on 02 March 2023.
“I am pleased about this week’s debate in the Limpopo Legislature. We have found ways of accounting to the legislature, their counsel, through debates, shapes how we prune our administration for effectiveness. This year was also as good one, considering the feedback that we have received from the legislature.
I am particularly pleased that we are on the same wavelength with what most members have said in response to our speech. Today I was just confirming much of what the debate entailed and thanking the legislature for their oversight role that shapes how we implement our programmes,” said Premier Mathabatha after delivering his response.
On Tuesday, 28 February 2023, the legislature debated the SOPA 2023 speech made by Premier Mathabatha. By and large the reception from most of the speakers were positive, edging on Premier Mathabatha to continue with work he has done with the provincial administration, especially that there is evidence of improved audit outcomes in the provincial departments, SOEs as well as in local government.
Premier Mathabatha said majority of the matters debated on Tuesday will be answered by various Members of the Executive Council when they present their budget votes. However, he used the opportunity to clarify further the R4,5 billion Limpopo Academic Hospital to be built in Polokwane from April 2023. He said the hospital will be a game-changer in the health outlook of Limpopo.
Further said Premier Mathabatha: “The academic hospital will alleviate the burden of having to travel regularly to other provinces for medical treatment. Training on specialised skills will be done here at home. It will also allow opportunities for our children to do practical work here as well. It is expected that the project will generate 1,220 part-time jobs during the construction phase and create 2,461 full-time equivalent jobs in Polokwane once the hospital is fully operational.”
There was also a response that Premier Mathabatha went on to assure the house about the administration’s approach to energy matters, especially how they will ensure that all matters of emergency dealing with a response to energy are done above board. “This is the reason why the provincial energy strategy, anchored on the just energy transition, is of utmost importance. We shall place due care in the process that will lead to infrastructure placement within hospitals, clinics, and schools. We shall ensure that their implementation is all above board, that funds are directed to the required areas to bring services to the people.”
Premier Mathabatha concluded by saying that as they look forward to the last year of their term, they are comforted by the start of the special economic zones that will be a legacy of their administration. He said that the investment they have raised over a short and long term will come in handy in improving employment statistics as the signs are showing a remarked recovery.
Source: Government of South Africa