04/09/2026
TLP Concludes with Renewed Commitment to Service Delivery and Accountability
The Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature concluded the Taking Legislature to the People (TLP) programme in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality (STLM) on Friday, 4 September 2026, with a sitting held at the Themba Senamela Stadium presided over by the Legislature Speaker, Ms Makhozane Masilela at the Themba Senamela Stadium which served as a Legislature Precinct for the duration of the TLP programme.
The sitting provided an opportunity for Portfolio Committee Chairpersons to present the consolidated findings from oversight visits conducted throughout the week, while Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) from all political parties represented robustly raised motions, concerns and service delivery challenges brought forward by the people of STLM.
Among the key issues raised were water provision, electricity, higher municipal tariffs, housing shortages, safety and security, youth unemployment, agricultural development, support for women and young farmers, damaged roads and infrastructure, and access to healthcare.
Members also raised concerns regarding housing backlogs in communities such as Nasaret and Rondebosch, overcrowding in Mhluzi Extension 3, as well as the need for greater transparency and clarity regarding municipal rates and tariffs. Calls were made for the municipality to accelerate the provision of adequate housing and ensure that basic services reach all communities.
The House also debated tuberculosis (TB), particularly the fight against the disease. Members highlighted the challenges faced by people living in rural areas who have to travel long distances to access healthcare facilities. The need to strengthen TB screening and awareness programmes within communities, encourage early treatment and address the stigma associated with TB was emphasised.
The MEC for Health, Ms Sasekani Manzini, called on Members of the Legislature to lead by example by undergoing TB screening and encouraging communities to do the same. She further emphasised the importance of prioritising healthcare in budget allocations to ensure sufficient resources are available to strengthen the fight against TB. The MEC cautioned against the stigma and misconceptions surrounding TB, including the incorrect assumption that a person diagnosed with TB is necessarily HIV-positive.
When delivering the closing address, the Mpumalanga Premier, Mr Mandla Ndlovu MP, the leader of the Mpumalanga Provincial Government, acknowledged the concerns raised by communities while outlining progress made by government in addressing socio-economic and service delivery challenges in the STLM.
In his comprehensive response, Premier Ndlovu also noted that the municipality’s unemployment rate stands at 18.1%, with youth unemployment at 27.6%, while 39.3% of residents are living in poverty. He stressed that government programmes will continue to focus on creating employment opportunities, stimulating local enterprises and developing sustainable livelihoods.
The Premier highlighted infrastructure development as an important contributor to economic growth and employment. He noted that R190 million has been allocated for road construction in the STLM, while approximately R800 million has been spent on roads in the municipality between 2019 and 2026. He emphasised that infrastructure programmes should not only deliver infrastructure but should also be measured by the employment opportunities, skills development and local economic activity they create.
On housing, the Premier pointed to the construction of close to 1 000 houses in Rondebosch as evidence of government’s continued efforts to provide residents with decent housing. He further highlighted developments aimed at strengthening economic activity and investor confidence in the province, including the R350 million hospitality development featuring 150 rooms and a convention centre.
Agriculture was also identified as an important area for economic development. The Premier highlighted government’s support for small-scale and emerging farmers, particularly young farmers, and the need to expand their access to markets, including the Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market. Such initiatives, he said, are essential in creating sustainable livelihoods and strengthening local economies.
The Premier further highlighted progress in healthcare infrastructure, including the newly built King Nyabela Hospital, which was officially opened by President of the Republic of South Africa, demonstrating government’s continued commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare in the province. He also noted that medication availability in Steve Tshwete health facilities stands at approximately 95.5%, reflecting progress in ensuring that essential medicines are available to patients.
Education was another area highlighted during the closing address. The Premier noted the strong academic performance of learners from Steve Tshwete, with four matric learners from the municipality among the province’s top performers in the previous year. He said this demonstrates the potential that can be unlocked through greater investment in education. The newly constructed school in Rockdale was also highlighted as part of government’s efforts to improve educational infrastructure.
On safety and security, the Premier highlighted the appointment of a Provincial Commissioner as part of the efforts to strengthen the fight against crime and improve safety across Mpumalanga. While acknowledging the progress made, the Premier recognised that significant challenges remain and that government will continue working to address areas where service delivery falls short. He applauded the hard work of Members of the Executive Council (MECs), government officials and stakeholders involved in responding to the needs of communities.
The Premier also encouraged residents of Steve Tshwete to exercise their democratic right by participating in the upcoming Local Government Elections on 4 November 2026.
When closing the programme, the Speaker, Ms Makhozane Masilela reaffirmed that the Taking Legislature to the People must not be viewed as a once-off event that ends when Members leave the community. Instead, it must serve as the continuation of sustained action, monitoring and accountability.
