MPUMALANGA — The Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu has outlined government priorities for the 2026/27 financial year, including over R4 billion in infrastructure investment, new schools and clinics, and partnerships aimed at boosting agriculture, research and economic growth.

The plans were announced during the State of the Province Address (SoPA) delivered on Thursday, 05 March 2026, in Mbombela.

The Premier said the provincial government will invest over R4 billion over the medium term to enhance economic and social infrastructure, paving the way for the construction of additional clinics and schools to improve access to education and healthcare in the province.

 

Health

He shared that last financial year, a substantial R1.7 billion was allocated for health infrastructure, including R183 million dedicated to maintenance of current facilities.

“Mapulaneng Regional Hospital is planned for completion this year. Other ongoing projects include KwaMhlanga Hospital Maternity Unit, New Troya Clinic, New Dumphries Clinic, MN Cindi Clinic, Barberton Clinic, Alexandria Clinic, Lebohang Clinic, Vezubuhle

Clinic, Kinross Clinic, Langkloof Clinic, Lefisoane Clinic, and the upgrade of Siyabuswa Community Health Centre (CHC),” he said.

He also said that they are intensifying awareness campaigns and encouraging earlier clinic visits during pregnancy to reduce maternal mortality rate. Ndlovu said the department of health is also working to exceed targets for those defaulting on HIV/AIDS treatment, while implementing quality improvement plans across hospitals to meet ideal healthcare standards.

 

Education

He said that they are currently prioritising upgrading and replacement of 53 aging, community-built schools and that an additional 10 schools will be built during the current financial year, including the much-anticipated school for the deaf and blind. “To further fast-track progress, we are introducing a special programme to build 10 more schools, implemented in phases, each comprising two blocks of eight classrooms,” the Premier said.

 

Water and Sewer Bulk Lines

Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu announced that approximately R1,4 billion from infrastructure grants, including the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) and the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG), has been allocated for the development of bulk sewer and water infrastructure in Nkomazi, Govan Mbeki and Bushbuckridge local municipalities.

He said ageing infrastructure is also being addressed, including the replacement of asbestos bulk water lines in Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality, from the water treatment plant to Kuilen Phase 2 and from the plant to the Bloedfontein Reservoir Phase 2.

Ndlovu added that the Delmas Wastewater Treatment Works upgrade, increasing capacity from 4 to 12 megalitres per day, is 68% complete, while the Loskop Bulk Water Scheme is at 90% completion.

Once completed, residents of Thembisile Hani Local Municipality are expected to benefit from a reliable water supply of 20 megalitres per day, while the province continues working with the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and Rand Water to optimise supply from existing infrastructure.

 

Economic growth, Trade and Investment

The provincial economy is said to be growing by more than 1%, and is projected to grow at 1.3% for 2026. The Premier further projected an average growth rate of 2% per annum from 2027–2029.

In efforts to achieve higher growth and job creation, the provincial government has set a target to reduce unemployment to 25% through the Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP). The current unemployment rate in the province stands at 32,3%.

Ndlovu added that R25 billion, of the R238 billion investment commitment announced at the Mpumalanga Investment and Mining Conference held in Middelburg in October last year, has already been signed off. “These investments focus largely on the green economy which marks a significant turning point and a major boost for the provincial economy.”

Premier also shared that the provincial government has formalised a partnership with the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) through a memorandum of agreement. He said this collaboration aims to tap into the university's rich expertise, research capabilities, and skilled workforce to address key provincial priorities

He emphasised that this alliance will foster various initiatives, including sustainable agriculture, innovation, applied research, job creation, and skill development in health, education and conservation.

A flagship initiative stemming from the agreement is the hybrid rice project — a comprehensive industrial ecosystem expected to drive employment and GDP growth.

The project plans to dedicate 1,2 million hectares to hybrid rice cultivation, producing 14,4 million tons annually, with a projected turnover of R40,32 billion. The project is expected to create about 388,000 jobs across all phases.

He added that other partnership programs with UMP will focus on advanced maize, sorghum and vegetable production.

 

Panel of experts

Ndlovu announced that he will appoint a Premier’s Advisory Panel of experts to give guidance on strategic investment, trade, and provincial economic development. He said this decision follows a decision taken to drive strategic and evidence-based development.

 

Seriti Green Initiatives

He said that Seriti Green, through its Social and Economic Development portfolio, has committed to align its programmes with the Mpumalanga government priorities.

“Central to this commitment is enterprise development, focused on supporting SMMEs alongside structured entrepreneur programmes designed to catalyse sustainable job creation and broaden economic participation,” he said.

“Investment to date totals approximately R15 billion, with a further R25 billion planned over the next two years. Job creation remains central to the company’s work.

He said more than 1,700 jobs have been created, with 53% allocated to local residents within a 15 km radius. Seriti Green has committed to build a tower that is 16 metre high with 5,5 metre diameter surrounding one of its turbines, which will be painted using artwork inspired by Gogo Esther Mahlangu.

 

Gender Based Violence and Femicide

Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), he highlighted that the province supports 22 victim assistance centers operated by non-profit organisations, as well as two government-owned shelters.

During the 2025/26 financial year, 494 victims found refuge in these shelters, including 23 individuals affected by human trafficking. He emphasised that the province is actively collaborating with the National Gender-Based Violence Command Centre. 

“Communities are actively using this toll-free number to report incidents, with 26 reports logged in just the past nine months,” he said.

He also announced plans to launch the GBVF Brigade project, which will deploy 554 young people across 90 policing precincts to support GBVF interventions.

“These brigades will conduct community assessments to gauge the prevalence of GBVF cases, facilitate referrals, and promote awareness programs in the communities,” he said.