All set for first Sopa of sixth Legislature term

All eyes will be on Premier Stan Mathabatha as he is set to deliver the first State of the Province Address (Sopa) of the sixth Legislature term during the official opening of the house in the legislative chamber in Lebowakgomo tomorrow (Friday).
Mathabatha’s address is expected to set the tone for Provincial Government service delivery for the sixth administration and also outline the key strategic objectives for the next five years. Political opposition parties in Limpopo hope that Mathabatha would table ways he intends to use to create jobs for young people and those living with disabilities.
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Provincial Chairperson Jossey Buthane indicated that since Mathabatha was leading the province for a second term they expect him to highlight mechanisms he will use to deal with corruption that happened under his nose in the previous term. He further said the address must inform people on how the Provincial Government would complete the Bermuda roads, do away with pit toilets across the province and improve the matric pass rate.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) Provincial Leader Jacques Smalle stated that policy certainty must take centre stage to attract investors which will in turn create more
jobs.
He reiterated that there must also be a clear directive on how Mathabatha intends to turnaround the Department of Education, assist dysfunctional municipalities and recover money stolen from public purse.
Vryheidsfront Plus (VF Plus) Limpopo Leader Marcelle Maritz stressed a need for Mathabatha to work on corruption in municipalities, come up with solutions to farm murders and improve the safety of residents.
She added that people using public health facilities receive medical treatments in dilapidated structures hence Sopa must also address the poor state of hospitals and clinics in the province.

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