North West Premier, Supra Mahumapelo, is expected to deliver the State of the Province Address, (SOPA) on Friday at Marikana west outside Rustenburg.
Mahumapelo is expected to reflect on progress made on matters raised last year. These include the growth of the provincial economy by six percent, job creation and general infrastructural development.
The address by Mahumapelo comes amid revelations of alleged corrupt activities in the provincial Health Department, where a Gupta linked company was reportedly paid a 30-million rand advance and a further 180-million rand with no standing contract.
This has prompted the Hawks to launch an immediate investigation into the allegations.
Meanwhile security has been tightened in the Marikana area, where feelings against government among some community members have been running high since 2012 Marikana tragedy.
Meanwhile – people of Mpumalanga say they expect Premier David Mabuza to focus on job creation and service delivery in communities as he delivers the State of the Province address on Friday.
Citizens of the province say many communities are still struggling with access to running water and job opportunities.
“I expect that our premier David Mabuza can talk seriously unemployment to crime, the problem is the youth are not working the problems, the job opportunities… I expect him to fall in line with the speech of the National Minister to try to address the necessary issues like the social issues like the pension; I would expect him to narrow it down to the issues that are affecting the province.”
The Eastern Cape Legislature too has given assurances that security will be tightened in Bhisho when Premier Phumulo Masualle delivers his State of the Province Address on Friday.
Workers affiliated to Nehawu downed tools demanding suspension of some senior officials in the supply chain management division.
They allege that proper processes were not followed during the appointment of these officials. They’ve also threatened to disrupt SOPA proceedings if their demands aren’t met.
Legislature secretary, Vuyani Mapolisa says talks are ongoing to resolve the issues.
“People who are invited to the state of the province must come freely and they must know that they are safe. Legislature and speaker and premier are more than ready to welcome them. We will make sure that our guests are well protected and the premier delivers state of the province address without any intimidation there is law in the country that will make sure that there is security , remember that legislature is a national key point so it can’t be disrupted by people.”
