By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba has committed to the pursuit of inclusive growth, job creation, reduction of poverty while tackling the high cost of living.
Ramathuba delivered her State of the Province Address (SOPA) in Lebowakgomo.
The most urgent task, she said, was to grow Limpopo’s economy so that it creates jobs, reduces poverty and improves the lives of all South Africans.
“As we commemorate the 70 years of the Freedom Charter, we will reflect on this journey, while considering the landscape of our province, a tapestry woven with both challenges and triumphs,” she said.
Ramathuba said Limpopo now has a population of 6.5 million, which is an increase of 1.2 million since 2011. She said this growth brings an added responsibility for government.
While Limpopo’s contribution to the national GDP has risen from 7.2% to 7.7%, Ramathuba said the province’s unemployment rate is a stark and painful reality.
“We have seen our province’s economy showing resilience in sectors like mining, government services, finance, trade, personal services and transport.
“Yet, we must consciously industrialise, especially in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture and construction to advance inclusive growth and job creation, added Ramathuba.
Water
Ramathuba said water provision in the province has regressed to 64%, leaving over 36% of residents without water.
Residents in Sekhukhune, Giyani, and Seshego have been complaining about water shortages for decades.
“We acknowledge that the water provision in Limpopo has regressed to 64,2% leaving 35,8% of our people without this necessity. The growing population is adding to the burden of our aging water infrastructure in our municipalities. We committed to ensure that a functional Provincial Task Team to coordinate implementation of a water intervention strategy to be established,” said Ramathuba.
Electricity
The premier said 36% of the Limpopo population had access to electricity in 1996. “As we speak, according to the General Household Survey of 2023, 97.1% of our people have access to electricity, putting Limpopo as number one in our country.”
She promised that the remaining 2.9% will have access to electricity in the next two years.
Ramathuba became the first female premier of the province in May 2023, after former premier Stan Mathabatha was appointed deputy minister for land reform and rural development.
Meanwhile Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae delivered her second State-of-the-Province Address at Lemo Mall Green Park in Bloemfontein.
The address outlined key policy goals and priorities for the year ahead while reflecting on the province’s progress and challenges over the past year.
Letsoha-Mathae’s address is pinned on the following critical goals: to establish a driving force for inclusive growth and job creation; reduce poverty; and tackle the high cost of living and build a capable, ethical, and developmental state.
The provincial government is sharply criticised by opposing political parties on its inability to create sustainable employment, and the collapse of some government-led job-creation projects aimed at curbing rampant unemployment. This criticism comes amid a situation of bankrupt municipalities and allegations of corruption in departments.
Letsoha-Mathae expressed confidence that her executive council would continue to unleash the economic potential of the province. She pointed out that strides have been made to address rife unemployment through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), despite it being fraught with challenges.
According to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS), for the fourth quarter of 2024, the official unemployment rate is hovering at 37,9%, and the expanded unemployment rate at 44,2%.
“During the first year of Phase 5 of the EPWP, we have created 19 792 job opportunities. The tide is turning – we have committed to creating 30 115 employment opportunities. In the next financial year, the EPWP is expected to support poverty alleviation initiatives, promote skills development, and improve service delivery,” said Letsoha-Mathae.
According to her, the solution to the province’s unemployment crisis is in its ability to attract potential investments.
“Yes, we need inclusive growth, greater investment, higher income, better living standards, more jobs, less poverty, and reduced inequality in turning a new page in our province’s economic journey.”