The Mpumalanga province has many advantages that can be used to drive growth and development, said President Cyril Ramaphosa during a meeting between the national executive and the Mpumalanga provincial executive council.

He noted that more than half the province’s population are living below the lower bound poverty line, and said because of this, inclusive economic growth and job creation needed to be at the forefront of all efforts from government and social partners.

This is the third recent engagement between the national executive and a provincial executive council. The national executive previously met with the provincial leadership of Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal.

Over the next few months it plans to meet with the leadership of all other provinces.

Ramaphosa said the unemployment rate in Mpumalanga was higher the national average, adding that half of all young people were unemployed.

“Like other provinces, Mpumalanga needs to grow faster and the benefits of growth need to reach more of its people,” he said.

Ramaphosa highlighted that Mpumalanga was literally South Africa’s powerhouse, noting that most of the country’s electricity came from the province, fuelled by the abundant coal reserves.

“Mpumalanga will therefore continue to be vital to the social and economic development of the country for many years to come. For this reason, the province will also be at the centre of the just transition to a low-carbon economy,” he explained.

He said this presented challenges and opportunities, highlighting that it must be ensured that this transition does not damage livelihoods in the province.

“…rather we must plan and invest in the new technologies, industries and skills that are needed to expand job opportunities and build thriving communities. This is a fertile province, which has the ability to sustain a wide variety of agricultural activities. Mpumalanga is a province of natural splendour. It has long been a destination for visitors from across South Africa and across the world,” he highlighted.

Ramaphosa said government was encouraged by the province’s determination to invest in infrastructure, saying it is necessary for economic development.

“…whether it is through improving the roads on which mining materials are carried, or the facilities for the marketing of agricultural production, or upgrading tourist sites. This infrastructure is also important for improving the daily lives of the citizens of the province, from bulk water infrastructure to hospitals, clinics and schools. This aligns with the national government’s focus on a massive infrastructure investment,” he explained.

He said it was vital that government builds linkages between the province and entities like Infrastructure South Africa and the Infrastructure Fund.