By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Premier Phophi Ramathuba outlined key interventions aimed at improving livelihoods, expanding economic opportunities and strengthening social support for vulnerable communities in Limpopo.
Ramathuba delivered the State of the Province Address (SOPA) at Jack Botes hall in Polokwane.
“Our province continues to face several challenges, including unemployment, poverty, inequality, infrastructure backlogs, and service delivery pressures,” Ramathuba said.
“However, we remain committed to building a province that is inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable.”
She said government programmes will focus on improving access to economic opportunities while also strengthening support for poor households.
“Reducing poverty and addressing the high cost of living remains one of the most urgent priorities of this administration. Too many families in our province are struggling to make ends meet, and it is our responsibility as government to implement practical interventions that will ease this burden and restore dignity to our people.”
Ramathuba said government is working to stimulate local economic activity, particularly in rural areas where poverty levels remain high. “We are committed to supporting programmes that promote food security, expand access to economic opportunities and strengthen local economies so that communities can become more resilient in the face of rising living costs. These efforts are critical in ensuring that our people are not left behind as we pursue inclusive growth and development.”
She said the provincial government had spent the past year working with private sector partners and development institutions to stimulate local economic activity and bring new investments into the province.
“Over the past year, we have worked with partners in the private sector and development institutions to attract new investments and support the growth of local enterprises.”
Support for small businesses also featured prominently in the address, with the premier highlighting programmes aimed at strengthening small, medium, and micro enterprises.
“Through targeted programmes to support small, medium, and micro enterprises, we are helping entrepreneurs expand their businesses and create jobs,” Ramathuba said.
The premier added that investments in infrastructure, education and healthcare will also play a crucial role in improving the quality of life for residents.
Ramathuba said the provincial government was committed to improving learning outcomes and expanding access to quality education across the province.
“Education remains the foundation upon which the future of our province depends,” she said.
Plans include further investment in school infrastructure, expanded early childhood development programmes, and increased support for teachers.
“Our focus areas include improving school infrastructure, supporting teachers, expanding early childhood development programmes, and ensuring that learners have access to learning materials,” she said.
Ramathuba said, Limpopo has made significant strides in improving HIV treatment outcomes, particularly when it comes to keeping patients on life-saving antiretroviral therapy.
Adding that the province has managed to exceed national targets for retention in treatment programmes.
“Limpopo has improved HIV outcomes significantly. Retention on Antiretroviral Therapy has risen from 93,5% to 99% and 96% in September 2025, which is above the national target of 95%. This demonstrates the commitment of our healthcare workers and the effectiveness of our interventions in ensuring that patients remain on treatment and receive the support they need to live healthy and productive lives.”