Sopa expected to address hot issues

As residents eagerly await Premier Stan Mathabatha’s State of the Province Address (Sopa) scheduled for 22 February at Jack Botes Hall, opposition parties are somewhat doubtful that Mathabatha would do more than make empty promises and mislead the people as in the past.
Congress of the People (Cope) Provincial Secretary, Erick Mohlapamaswi emphasised that the province currently faces drastic economic challenges hence they expect Mathabatha to table ways he intends to use to boost the local economy. He further stated that Limpopo was rich in minerals and agriculture but yet young people are still unemployed and the economy is not improving. Mohlapamaswi stressed that Mathabatha should also give the house a report on the progress made on promises he made during the previous Sopa.

Democratic Alliance (DA) Provincial Leader, Jacques Smalle said they were tired of hearing ‘watch this space’ and as a result they expect Mathabatha to make available case numbers of criminal charges laid against municipal mayors who loot state money. He further stressed that they want honesty about all the foreign investments in the province and ways to improve service delivery. “The African National Congress in Limpopo doesn’t want to see the province improve because all they know how to do right is to make empty promises,” Smalle commented.
Renewed South African Party (RSA.P) National interim Leader Cornelis Roelofse reckoned that Mathabatha would just echo President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address because they are campaigning for the upcoming national general elections. He further emphasised that Mathabatha would dwell much on what has been done by the ruling party in Limpopo to buy votes rather than tabling plans that would take the province forward.
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Provincial Chairperson Jossey Buthane could not be reached for comment at the time of going to print.
Speaker of the Provincial Legislature, Polly Boshielo posted reminders on her social media page for residents to forward their proposals on what they think should be covered in the Sopa for her to submit to the Office of the Premier for consideration. She went on to remind people that the Provincial Legislature was their voice hence they should use it.
The Sopa is expected to be delivered during the Legislature opening with the starting time set for 09:00 and the dress code is formal, according to the media invite forwarded by Limpopo Legislature.

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