The Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature has confirmed that all preparations are in place for the Official Opening of the Third Session of the Seventh Legislature and the delivery of the State of the Province Address (SOPA) by Premier Mandla Ndlovu on Thursday, 5 March 2026, at the Elias Ginindza House in Mbombela.
This was announced during a media briefing by the Legislature’s spokesperson, Mr Paul Mbenyane, who outlined the province’s readiness to host one of the most significant events in the provincial democratic calendar.
The official opening of the legislature marks an important moment for governance in the province. During the SOPA, the Premier will reflect on the provincial government’s performance over the past year and outline priorities and plans for the year ahead. The event also signals the beginning of the third session of the seventh Legislature.
The ceremony is expected to bring together representatives from the executive, legislature and judiciary, as well as leaders from national, provincial and local government. Members of the business community, civil society and other stakeholders will also attend. Cultural groups from across the province are expected to perform during the event, showcasing Mpumalanga’s rich cultural heritage.
To ensure the smooth running of the event, several roads around the Government Complex in Riverside, Mbombela will be temporarily closed between 06:00 and 14:00. The affected areas include sections of Government Boulevard between Vakasha Building and Sonjoy Building, as well as roads near the Riverside sports field and behind Riverside Checkers.
Proceedings will begin at 08:00 with red carpet activities and guest arrivals. The programme will include a ceremonial salute to the Premier at 09:45, during which strict protocol will apply and movement will be restricted to authorised personnel only.
Members of the media have been requested to set up their equipment a day before the event, as no cable installations will be permitted on the day of the address. Audio-visual connection points will be made available outside the chamber to allow media houses to access the official feed.
The event will be streamed live on the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature’s Facebook page and YouTube channel, while several radio stations will broadcast the address live. A delayed broadcast will also air on Parliament TV, Channel 408, from 13:00.
“I am excited, and I will listen to it on the radio,” says Sipho Maseko from KwaMabuza Farm, now known as Ermelo Extension 50. “We have waited too long for development since Human settlements bought the land that we are on for us in 2021, but to date, nothing tangible has happened. I am confident the Premier will come up with good programs to benefit people like us,” he said.
The Legislature expressed confidence that the event will proceed smoothly and called on stakeholders and the public to follow the proceedings as the province outlines its development priorities for the year ahead.
