Religious News

Mpumalanga’s 2026 State of the Province Address outlines plans for job creation, R238 billion in investment, infrastructure development and improved education and healthcare. The Mpumalanga Provincial Government has reaffirmed its commitment to economic growth, job creation, infrastructure development and improved service delivery during the 2026 State of the Province Address (SOPA), outlining progress made and priorities for the coming year. Delivering the address on Thursday, 5 March 2026, the Premier said the province remains focused on building “a province that works for all,” with government programmes aimed at reducing poverty, creating employment opportunities and improving the quality of life for residents. Economy showing signs of recovery Despite global economic pressures, the provincial economy is beginning to stabilise. Economic growth has resumed at more than 1%, while unemployment and poverty levels have started to decline. Inflation has also dropped to its lowest levels in several years. Statistics South Africa data shows that employment in Mpumalanga reached 1.28 million people in the fourth quarter of 2025, the highest level ever recorded in the province. This represents a net increase of more than 37,000 jobs. The province created about 28,700 jobs during 2025, almost half of the government’s target of creating 60,000 jobs annually. Key sectors expected to...