Premier set to deliver Sopa

The Speaker of the Provincial Legislature, Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya and her deputy, Jerry Ndou are expected to preside over a sitting of the official opening of the Legislature scheduled for 27 February at Jack Botes Hall during which Premier Stan Mathabatha would deliver the State of the Province Address (Sopa).
Mathabatha is anticipated to officially outline programmes that government departments will be undertaking in the 2020/21 financial year. Provincial Government spokesperson Kenny Mathivha indicated that Mathabatha was still sourcing out information that is needed from all the government departments. He further indicated that members of the African National Congress made input to his speech during the party’s Provincial Executive Council Lekgotla while the Executive Council Lekgotla which is set for 19 February at Protea Hotel Ranch Resort was also expected to give input.
Mathivha outlined that the Head of Departments technical team will be having a meeting with Mathabatha at a venue outside the city starting from tomorrow (Friday) to contribute to this year’s Sopa. He added that Mathabatha’s speech was likely to focus on issues relating to water, jobs, housing, agriculture, health, education and the planned special economic zones. With water supply seemingly being a challenge in most of the parts in the province, Mathivha stated that Mathabatha was set to meet with the Minister of Water and Sanitation Lindiwe Sisulu in Sekhukhune on Friday to deliberate on water challenges which will form part of his speech.
In his previous Sopa, Mathabatha emphasised commitment to create more jobs and sustainable livelihoods for inclusive growth, to embark on a programme of rural development, land reform and food security, to improve the quality of the education and its outcomes, to improve the health of the population and expand access to quality public health, and above all, to fight crime and corruption.

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