By: Nokulunga Lebambo

 For months, many residents across Mpumalanga had begun to question whether the long-awaited Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market would ever open.

The project, which had faced delays and growing public criticism, was slowly becoming what many feared could turn into another government “white elephant”.

But while delivering his State of the Province Address at the Mpumalanga Legislature on Wednesday (05/03/2026), Premier Mandla Ndlovu sought to calm those concerns, announcing that the market is already being operationalised and will officially open to the public in April.

The fresh produce market is expected to become a major economic hub in the province, with the government planning to support 150,000 farmers who will be able to supply produce to the facility.

According to Ndlovu, the market will create new opportunities for farmers, traders and businesses across the province.

Job creation was another key focus of the Premier’s address.

The Mpumalanga government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Mpumalanga to research sustainable ways of creating employment in the province. Funding has already been allocated to the university to conduct the research.

Meanwhile, long-standing infrastructure challenges also featured prominently in the address.

Residents of Bushbuckridge who have long called for the upgrade of the Manyeleti Road may soon see progress, with the Premier announcing that the tender for the project will be advertised in July.

Ndlovu acknowledged frustrations from communities about slow service delivery but said government projects require extensive planning and research before they can be implemented.

Education and healthcare were also highlighted as key priorities.

The provincial government plans to build ten new schools to reduce overcrowding in classrooms.

In the health sector, the Premier revealed that the government has already appointed 121 doctors and 2,024 healthcare workers across the province following commitments made last year.

Youth economic empowerment also received attention, with the Premier’s Youth Development Fund having disbursed R358 million to 280 youth-owned businesses over the years.

Looking ahead, Ndlovu outlined priorities for the 2026/2027 financial year, including stronger action against municipalities that fail to deliver services to communities.

The province also plans to invest in water infrastructure projects funded through R1.4 billion from the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant. Key projects include the Kamhlushwa packaged plant, bulk water and sewer lines in Brendan Village in the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, and infrastructure upgrades in Hospital View in Bushbuckridge.

The Premier also stressed the importance of supporting community media, saying these outlets play a critical role in local economies by creating jobs, especially for young people.

“When community media closes due to lack of revenue, more people become unemployed,” he said.