Premier to reduce poverty and unemployment through R242 billion investments

By: Nokulunga MasheleLebambo

Mpumalanga Premier, Mandla Ndlovu has secured R242 billion in investments for the people of his province. This during the Mpumalanga Investment and Mining conference which was held in Middleburg last week. Ndlovu, Through the Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency brought together business leaders, investors, leaders of parastatals and civil society to carve a way forward for Mpumalanga’s economic growth. At the centre stage of the conversation was the preservation of the province’s coal mines which produce about 80% of the country’s coal, and contributes approximately 20% to the provincial GGP whilst being an important sector that provides employment to the province’s workforce.Addressing attendants, Ndlovu expressed that the mining sector is one of the province’s cornerstone and that it has the potential to play a significant role in the future of Mpumalanga. “By attracting investment into this crucial industry, we can stimulate local economies, create direct and indirect job opportunities, and foster skills development that builds a workforce capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving sector. To this end, I urge all stakeholders to consider how we can work together to create an environment that not only attracts investment but also ensures that our communities benefit from these economic advancements” Ndlovu said. With an unemployment rate hovering around 35% and approximately 53% of Mpumalanga’s population living below the poverty line, the investments will be aimed at addressing issues such as unemployment, skills development, and local economic empowerment.Apart from the R242 Billion secured by the premier, the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientso Ramokgopa who was at the conference also announced that Mpumalanga will receive a significant share of the 2.2 Trillion of South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan that will be rolled out in the next ten years.“To the investors here who used to complain about load shedding and load reduction, I want to assure you that your businesses will not continue to suffer losses due to electricity challenges. This as Eskom will end load reduction in Mpumalanga in the next 12 months” said Ramokgopa. The premier further called on the private sector to invest in education and skills training to break the cycle of poverty.‘’Corporations can allocate a portion of their corporate social investment budgets to establish