In response to the debate on the State of the Province Address (Sopa) in the Legislative chamber in Lebowakgomo on Friday, Premier Stan Mathabatha assured the house that the VBS Mutual Bank saga is not and will never be buried.
Members of the Provincial Legislature debated the Sopa a day prior to Mathabatha’s reply. He said they would not relent on the fight against corruption and the fight for a clean, ethical and accountable government. He added that people might have become impatient with the process but assured the house that the wheels of justice were in motion.
“At a political level, accountability has been enforced. There are cases that are now before the courts and these cases are being processed with the pace and standards of the criminal justice system. On our part, we are cooperating fully with the law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice does prevail for the victims of the VBS looting,” Mathabatha remarked.
On issues of health, he reiterated that the tradition of purchasing at least 50 ambulances each financial year to supplement the existing fleet will continue in the current financial year. Mathabatha went on to state that his office appreciated the commitment from a number of opposition parties to work with government for the common good of the people.
The issues of unemployment were far more important for the provincial government to merely pay lip-service to it, he stressed. Mathabatha further said the number of discouraged work seekers was unpleasantly high across the nation hence it was for this reason that the Sopa presentation was overwhelmingly focused on efforts to grow the economy and create the much-needed jobs.
“We have tailored very specific plans to address the issue of unemployment and poverty among our people. Part of these specific measures includes our Special Economic Zones (SEZ) projects both in Tubatse and Musina-Makhado corridor.
Our latest projects indicate that the initial number of 18 000 jobs at the Musina-Makhado SEZ will have to be revised upwards. This means that because of massive investor interest in the project, we will be creating more job opportunities,” Mathabatha explained.
He added that they were working around the clock with the Ministry of Water Affairs to ensure that the project will have sufficient water and concluded by saying they have also made sure that the opportunities which will accrue from the SEZ are taken up by the people of Limpopo.
Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za
