Opposition parties raise concern ahead of Sopa

Political opposition parties in Limpopo are seemingly not looking forward to the State of the Province Address (Sopa) scheduled for tomorrow (Friday) at the Jack Botes Hall claiming that ground-breaking policy changes and or commitments cannot be expected from the address due to an alleged lack of political leadership from Premier Stan Mathabatha.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo is largely concerned about the unemployment rate which according to the party, stands at 36,8% and is said to be higher than the national average. DA Provincial Leader, Jacques Smalle reportedly said 2,67 million people who cannot participate in the workforce or who have lost all hope to ever finding a job are looking to Mathabatha to provide the political leadership to turn the tide on the ineffective governance that has been plaguing the current administration.
Smalle further said the inability of the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (Ledet) to manage its own finances has manifested in 37 000 job losses in the trade sector during the fourth quarter last year. “It is clear that little or no assistance is provided to small businesses, which, if effectively managed, can be a major job creator,” he added. The DA expects Mathabatha not only to talk tough on corruption and maladministration but to implement measures to root out these endemic practices, he explained.
Congress of the People Provincial Secretary, Eric Mohlapamaswi said Mathabatha should in his address focus on the state of education in the province and how it can be improved because poverty can only be defeated by investing in youth.
He further said the Sopa highlights the same issues every year but nothing is being done.
Mohlapamaswi stated that schools complain about a shortage of textbooks every year but the Premier doesn’t act on the matter and reiterated that Limpopo should move from being second last in the country in terms of matric pass rate to at least position five.
Economic Freedom Fighters acting Provincial Chairperson, Rendani Munyai said Mathabatha should elaborate more on health issues experienced in the province. She further said they expect clinics to operate 24 hours like before for residents to get health assistance anytime there is an emergency.
According to Munyai, the majority of residents have lost hope in public institutions and Mathabatha should do things that will regain their trust.
Renewed South African Party Leader, Cornelis Roelofse stressed that the province was tired of hearing long speeches from Mathabatha and stated that it was time for action and service delivery. Health services, unemployment, housing, cross border movement, rhino poaching and sexual activities between learners and educators should be among the key subjects during the address, said Roelofse. He further said government expenditure on salaries should be reduced and the money be used to deliver services to the people.

Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za