Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu has announced a major breakthrough for the province’s economy, with R242 billion in pledges secured during the two-day Investment and Mining Conference held in Middelburg last week.

The pledges, made by companies in the mining, forestry and fuel sectors, mark one of the largest investment commitments ever made to the province. Premier Ndlovu described the development as a “game-changer” that will advance the 7th Administration’s key priorities of inclusive growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and building a capable and ethical state.

“This investment will help us reduce the unemployment rate, currently at 34 percent, and tackle poverty levels that sit at around 50 percent,” said Ndlovu. He expressed gratitude to business leaders and investors for showing confidence in Mpumalanga’s economy, adding that government would closely monitor the implementation of service-level agreements and corporate social investment commitments.

During his closing remarks, Premier Ndlovu also expressed disappointment over the absence of representatives from Eskom and the Department of Minerals and Energy, emphasising the need for collaboration across all sectors to drive economic growth.

He praised the province’s achievements in infrastructure delivery, agriculture, and human settlements, noting that Mpumalanga is currently ranked the best-performing province in the country for infrastructure projects.

Ndlovu assured investors that the provincial government would work to remove bureaucratic barriers and create a more conducive environment for business. “We know where we are, and we know where we are going. With your support, we dare not fail the people of Mpumalanga,” he said.