What is expected of Premier’s Sopa 2018

Premier Stan Mathabatha is likely to address issues relating to unemployment, economic growth and development, youth development and the fight against crime and corruption when he delivers that State of the Province Address (Sopa) which is expected to take place the Jack Botes Hall tomorrow (Friday).
The scarcity of job opportunities is somewhat of na major concern in the province with Limpopo having recorded a 0,3% increase in the unemployment rate in the fourth quarter of 2017 bringing the percentage to 19,6 compared to 19,3% in the same quarter in the previous year.
These statistics were made public by Limpopo director-general, Nape Nchabeleng during the Executive Council (Exco) Lekgotla in Polo­kwane last Thursday. He said the province has lost 35 000 jobs in the two quarters combined and pointed a 0,3% increase as marginal. The provincial gross growth registered a regression of -1,6% in 2016, emphasised Nchabeleng.
Exco lekgotla is regarded as a high level strategic planning session where inputs that inform the State of the Province Address (Sopa) are thrashed out. The gathering was attended by Members of the Executive Council (MECs), Executive Mayors, Heads of Departments, heads of parastatals and the board chairpersons. It was reported that lekgotla also meant to assess the implementation of planned programmes and projects for the 2016/17 financial year, review expenditure trends to date and look at how budget adjustments were implemented following last year’s budget lekgotla and to interrogate and approve the planned programmes and projects for 2018/19 financial year.

Mathabatha delivered the opening address stating that lekgotla has to be given the attention, focus and respect it deserves for the council to have a clearer understanding on what needs to be done through Special Economic Zones programme to facilitate growth and development.
“We need to redefine the role of mining houses in our communities in particular the role that the mining industry should play on the economic upliftment of our communities. We need a workable approach on how to improve our audit outcomes so that we continue to enhance public confidence in government. Curbing wastage will help us to direct resources to important areas such as education, health and projects that stimulate economic growth,” he explained.
He further said he was confident that the leadership was guided and directed by the common desire to make Limpopo a better place to live in. Provincial government officials and residents should continue to expose corruption whenever they see it, he stated, adding that several Police officers from the province recently claimed national awards for dealing with corruption among other criminal activities.

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