Mathabatha highlights FTLM mining sector as main economic contributor in Limpopo
Limpopo – The Premier of Limpopo, Chupu Stanley Mathabatha, said the rise of mining in the province has led to the positive economic developments from the year 2000, which can be witnessed along the Dilokong Corridor in Fetakgomo-Tubatse Local Municipality (FTLM) and in Waterberg District Municipality (WDM).
Mathabatha said during his State of the Province Address (SOPA), held on Thursday 29 February at Jack Botes Hall in Polokwane.
“Mining became the largest contributor to our economic growth. Mining contribution to our GDP rose from below 20 per cent in 1999, reaching a peak of 28.1 per cent in 2008. The 2008 global economic meltdown affected our economy, resulting in a decline in many sectors. At 25.6 per cent, mining reached a new peak of its contrition to our provincial economy in 2019,” explained Mathabatha.
Mathabatha added that Limpopo has seen a growth in investments, with annual investment conferences, beginning with the first in 2021, have contributed over R280 billion in investment pledges.
“The difference that these pledges brought about is reflected in their immediate implementation. These investments include mining, agriculture, agro-processing, green energy, property development, as well as trade, catering and accommodation. Rising investment is a sign of confidence and is important for us to address unemployment and poverty,” he said.
Mathabatha indicated that Limpopo experienced an increase in employment from 2019 to 2023 and is in the top three provinces that have shown rising employment.
“Although we lost 40,000 jobs in the last quarter, we have created 182,000 jobs in 2023, making us the second largest province in job creation,” he said.
The premier highlighted that the province has seen the expansion of road infrastructure network by over 6,000kms tarred roads since 1994, with the 15km N1 bypass ring road transformed the outlook of Polokwane that ease flow of traffic in Fetakgomo-Tubatse after the expansion of the R37 Road.
“During the State of the Province Address last year, we mentioned on our road infrastructure projects. I am pleased to report on the progress we have made thus far. The upgrade of Road D4180 from Atok Mine to Ga-Selepe is in the final stages of design. Work will commence on this crucial road shortly after the design is completed and a contractor of appointed,” he said.
Mathabatha indicated that Limpopo has created employment in all road infrastructure projects where construction has begun including the Ga-Malekane Steelpoort-Bridge, situated on Road D2219, connecting to the R555 in the Sekhukhune District.
“Eight Southern Limb mining houses contributed over R127 million to the Malekana Bridge. The sod- turning ceremony occurred on 21 February 2023. Currently, the bridge is under construction and upon completion, the long wait to pass through the much-used Steelbridge will be a thing of the past,” he said.
The project is a joint effort between Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL) and mining companies in the FTLM.
“I am pleased to announce that this project has achieved a 35 per cent progress and is on track for completion in November 2024,” stated Mathabatha.
He went on to say as part of the duties of the Premier’s Office, he has concluded several special projects, which are in the main humanitarian in nature, which includes the building and handed-over of a house to the family of Vusi Ramusi and Ephraim Phorogohlo Mogale, in Botha Village, Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality (EPMLM).
He stated that another house was handed-over to the family of Inah Mabasa in Matolokwane Village, Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality (MLM).
The premier had further donated a complete set of school uniform to Kefiloe Moukangoe in Kgaladi Primary School, Mamone Village outside Jane Furse, MLM.
Mathabbatha highlighted that since the dawn of democracy, the province provided electricity to at least 94.6 per cent of rural households who were overwhelmingly depended on firewood to cook, using three leg pots.
He said the province has made strides in improving healthcare, currently having 476 clinics with 266 of healthcare centres operating 24 hours a day.
“In 2010, we reached 80 per cent of access to water, reaching more communities and improving public health outcomes. However, because of various countervailing factors, we have experienced a decline to 69.1 per cent. We are worried about this, and we are hard at work with authorities in the water provision space to improve the situation,” he said.