By Thulane Madalane
Mbombela: On Thursday in front of key provincial officials and community members, MEC Ms. Leah Mabuza presented the 2025/26 Policy and Budget Speech for the Department of Culture, Sport, and Recreation. The speech emphasized the theme “Mpumalanga, a Province that Works for All,” highlighting the importance of inclusivity and development across various sectors.
The address was delivered to esteemed guests, including Hon. Makhosazane Masilela, Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, as well as Premier Mandla Ndlovu and other provincial leaders. MEC Mabuza dedicated her speech to the 2025 Mandela Month Celebration, honoring the contributions of the late prominent figures, including former Deputy President DD Mabuza and respected community leaders.
“Today, I reiterate our commitment to building a province that works for all,” stated MEC Mabuza. She highlighted some pressing statistics reflecting the socio-economic challenges facing Mpumalanga. Currently, the province has a population of approximately 5.1 million, facing an unemployment rate of 37.4% and a staggering poverty rate of 51.2%. The youth unemployment rate is particularly concerning, standing at 51.3%, and 68.6% of young women are unemployed. “These stark realities underline our urgency to leverage sports, culture, and recreation to address these challenges,” Mabuza added.
The budget for the 2025/26 financial year has been set at approximately R91.06 million to enhance investments in cultural and sporting infrastructure, which includes R5 million for Cultural Affairs, R35 million for Library and Archives Infrastructure, and R51.06 million for Sports and Recreation projects. These initiatives are designed to stimulate local economies, encourage job creation, and support community cohesion through high-impact cultural and sporting events.
MEC Mabuza also announced the launch of initiatives focused on women in sports, asserting the department’s commitment to ensuring gender equity within athletic programs. “It is vital that we create opportunities for women in decision-making positions within all sporting codes,” she stated, addressing the historical discrimination that female athletes, particularly in South Africa, have faced.
In terms of infrastructure projects, the MEC reported significant progress on the High Altitude Training Centre (HATC), which is currently 85% complete, aimed at positioning Mpumalanga as a leader in sports tourism. Other key projects include the establishment of ten new libraries by 2030, enhancing knowledge access for underserved communities, with three new libraries already completed in 2024/25.
Furthermore, the department is enhancing cultural visibility through a three-year partnership with SABC to host the Metro FM Music Awards, aimed at promoting the province’s rich cultural diversity while injecting value into the local economy.
Mabuza concluded her address by reiterating the province’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for all citizens. “We have the power to build a better Mpumalanga, a better South Africa, and a better continent through unity and dedication. The future is in our hands,” she emphasized.
The 2025/26 Policy and Budget Speech outlines a roadmap for cultural and sporting initiatives that aim to address socio-economic disparities while fostering development and inclusivity within the province.
