Karabo Ngoepe|Published
The Limpopo provincial government has pledged to accelerate job creation, infrastructure development, and service delivery as it attempts to tackle rising unemployment and persistent poverty across the province.
Delivering the 2026 State of the Province Address, Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba said her administration would focus on stimulating economic growth while addressing long-standing challenges such as inequality, weak infrastructure, and pressure on basic services.
“Our province continues to face several challenges, including unemployment, poverty, inequality, infrastructure backlogs, and service delivery pressures,” Ramathuba said.
“However, we remain committed to building a province that is inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable.”
The address placed strong emphasis on economic development, with the premier identifying agriculture, mining, tourism, manufacturing, and renewable energy as sectors with the greatest potential to generate jobs and attract investment.
“Economic growth and job creation remain central to our development agenda,” Ramathuba said. “Our province has significant potential in key sectors including agriculture, mining, tourism, manufacturing, and renewable energy.”
She said the provincial government had spent the past year working with private sector partners and development institutions to stimulate local economic activity and bring new investments into the province.
“Over the past year, we have worked with partners in the private sector and development institutions to attract new investments and support the growth of local enterprises.”
Support for small businesses also featured prominently in the address, with the premier highlighting programmes aimed at strengthening small, medium, and micro enterprises.
“Through targeted programmes to support small, medium, and micro enterprises, we are helping entrepreneurs expand their businesses and create jobs,” Ramathuba said.
Infrastructure development was another key theme, with the provincial government pledging continued investment in roads, water infrastructure, schools, hospitals, and energy projects.
“We are continuing to invest in roads, schools, healthcare facilities, water infrastructure, and energy projects to support economic growth and improve the quality of life for our residents.”
According to Ramathuba, the infrastructure programme is intended not only to improve services but also to stimulate employment and develop technical skills in the province.
“Our infrastructure programme is not only about building physical assets but also about creating jobs and developing skills,” she said.
The provincial administration is also working with national government and development partners to accelerate major projects and address longstanding infrastructure backlogs that have hampered development in several districts.
Education was highlighted as a central pillar of Limpopo’s long-term development strategy.
Ramathuba said the provincial government was committed to improving learning outcomes and expanding access to quality education across the province.
“Education remains the foundation upon which the future of our province depends,” she said.
Plans include further investment in school infrastructure, expanded early childhood development programmes, and increased support for teachers.
“Our focus areas include improving school infrastructure, supporting teachers, expanding early childhood development programmes, and ensuring that learners have access to learning materials,” she said.
The premier also emphasised the need to strengthen partnerships between the government and higher education institutions to better align skills training with labour market demands.
“We are strengthening partnerships with higher education institutions and technical colleges to improve skills development and align training with the needs of the economy,” Ramathuba said.
Healthcare also received attention in the address, with the premier acknowledging that the provincial health system continues to face significant pressure.
“The health and well-being of our people remains a top priority. Our healthcare system continues to face pressures, but we remain committed to improving access to quality healthcare services,” she said.
Government plans include continued investment in hospitals and clinics, as well as strengthening primary healthcare services across rural communities.
“We are investing in healthcare infrastructure, strengthening primary healthcare services and ensuring that hospitals and clinics are adequately equipped,” Ramathuba said.
Community safety and social development were also identified as priorities for the provincial administration.
Ramathuba said the government would continue working with law enforcement agencies, community organisations, and traditional leaders to address crime and broader social challenges affecting communities.
“Safety is essential for development and social stability. We are working with law enforcement agencies, community organisations and traditional leaders to strengthen community safety initiatives.”
The provincial government will also maintain programmes aimed at addressing gender-based violence, substance abuse, and youth unemployment.
Support for vulnerable groups, including children, older persons, and people with disabilities, will remain central to social development programmes, the premier said.
Ramathuba concluded her address by emphasising the importance of good governance and accountability in the use of public resources.
“Good governance and accountability are critical to building public trust,” she said.
The provincial administration, she added, would continue strengthening financial management systems while improving oversight of government spending.
“Our government will continue to take firm action against corruption and maladministration wherever it occurs.”
Karabo Ngoepe
iol.co.za
