The Mpumalanga provincial government held an extended executive council (EXCO)
meeting this week to review performance and plan for the transition to the new
administration after the 2024 elections. Several key decisions were announced to
accelerate job creation, infrastructure development, and service delivery over the
coming year.

With unemployment at 46.7% based on Stats SA data, EXCO aims to implement
aggressive employment programs through support for agriculture and investment
promotion. Audits show irregular spending remains a concern, though audit outcomes
have improved. Education and health targets have been mixed, with sanitation access
expanding but matric pass rates declining.

EXCO acknowledged good collaboration has increased access to water, sanitation,
electricity and housing, though housing delivery fell short of targets due to reduced
national funding. The finance report shows much of the budget goes to education,
health and social development, and EXCO urged cost control so departments can meet
targets despite fiscal constraints.

Municipal debt to Eskom, now at R3.8 billion, threatens sustainability and service
delivery. EXCO directed provincial departments to pay outstanding debts to
municipalities to help lower municipal Eskom debt. Ten municipalities got Eskom debt
relief and others will receive application assistance.

With Mpumalanga producing 42% of South Africa’s emissions due to coal power, EXCO
discussed progress on the Just Energy Transition (JET). The Komati coal station was
decommissioned as a first step, and interventions are underway to support affected
communities. International partnerships have been secured for JET funding, including
with the World Bank and the African Development Bank.

The EXCO decisions aim to accelerate service delivery, job creation, emissions
reductions and sound financial management as Mpumalanga prepares for the transition
to a new administration next year. Citizens will hope the measures translate into real
economic and social progress.