Premier Ramathuba delivers first SOPA
LEBOWAKGOMO
Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, has delivered her first State of the Province Address (SOPA) at the Limpopo Provincial Legislature in Lebowakgomo on Thursday 27 February 2025.
Ramathuba stated that as she delivers the first SOPA in the 7th administration in the province, they have spent the past six months crafting a delivery framework for the next five years.
Ramathuba outlined provincial government commitments aimed to address socio-economic challenges in line with the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP 2024-2029), and reviewed Limpopo Development Plan (LDP 2025-2030).
In terms of inclusive economic growth and job creation, Ramathuba said the provincial government is steadfast on developing Special Economic Zones (SEZ), through the operationalization of the long-awaited Musina-Makhado SEZ and the Fetakgomo-Tubatse SEZ.
“We have developed a six-point plan and directed the MEC for LEDET to attend to all the outstanding issues that affected this bedrock of our industrialisation agenda. We shall now direct the MEC for Provincial Treasury to release funds that we withheld earlier for reprioritisation. This will then allow Musina-Makhado SEZ to resume with its operations. The Fetakgomo-Tubatse SEZ is a low hanging fruit, abuzz with potential, just waiting for us to plug in. To date we already have over R10 billion investment commitments of which if fully implemented will translate into thousands of jobs,” she said.
Ramathuba highlighted that the province has secured various investments made up to R9,8 billion, which are earmarked towards renewable energy which is a panacea to the current energy crisis.
“Significant progress has been made so far in planning the project that will use both wind and sun to generate power. Solar and wind projects in Mopani are breaking ground and mines in Fetakgomo-Tubatse are pioneering solar ventures, ensuring sustainable energy for our growing industries. The project is anticipated to create between 1000 to 1500 jobs,” she said.
The premier said in 2024, the provincial government committed to implement the integrated support for emerging farmers programme and to that effect, one of the beneficiaries, Bafedile Mafologele and his business partner embarked on cattle farming venture, starting with just 27 cattle.
“Today, they manage over 3,000 cattle and have expanded their irrigation from 15 to 300 hectares. The farming project is on track to become the largest 100% black-owned red meat producer in Limpopo, creating over 300 jobs,” informed Ramathuba.
To deliver potable water to communities, the premier said they will work with Water Boards, Department of Water and Sanitation, Water Services Authorities, in particular municipalities, to find solutions to water needs.
In terms of roads infrastructure backlog, Ramathuba indicated that the Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure has procured 300 units of yellow fleet, plant operators and general workers who will be key towards continuous maintenance of roads.
“Our partnership with the private sector has yielded desired fruits, wherein we have seen projects like the Ga-Malekane Steelpoort Bridge constructed, easing travel in that part of Sekhukhune and bringing much desired economic benefits for the area,” she said.
To reduce poverty and tackle the high costs of living, Premier Ramathuba said they reactivated initiatives, such as the Maphutha Malatji Outpatient Department and clinical support building, which now stands as a beacon of hope in health care accessibility for the people of Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality, however, acknowledging that there is still a backlog in other projects like the Lebowakgomo Emergency Medical Services, the PMU schools, Lemana and Thusanang Schools.
The premier said the provincial government is further designating Focus Schools that will offer curricula aligned to the economic sectors in the province.
“Prioritised Curriculum offerings and alignment will include subject fields such as Agriculture, Mining, Tourism, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. A baseline of 27 Focus Schools already designated, including eight schools of agriculture that have been established with a target of 55 Focus Schools in the outer year.
She said the provincial Department of Health has implemented interventions that are primary aimed at the enhancing longevity of Limpopo people, by increasing life expectancy for women from the age of 56.6 in 2001 to the current 68.3, similarly been able to increase life expectancy for men from age 52.9 in 2001 to the current 63.2.
“This is attributed to our progressive response to management and treatment of infectious disease, mainly HIV/AIDS, TB, STI and Malaria,” she said.
Ramathuba said the province is set to complete the recruitment processes of 313 professional nurses and 40 staff nurses to bolster their 24-hour services in clinics.
“The construction of the provincial Central Academic Hospital is progressing satisfactorily, with progress on site above 23%. This hospital will render high quality medical treatment for complex cases while developing clinical skills for our medical students,” she said.
Ramathuba indicated that currently, the province has completed 4469 of the 4555 basic housing units which has resulted in additional R500 million allocation for 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years.
