At the two‑day EXCO Lekgotla, Mpumalanga’s Premier Mandla Ndlovu urges officials to move beyond routine chatter and turn promises into measurable results for the province’s citizens. Pictures Credits: Mpumalanga Provincial Government
By Duncan Mnisi
South Africa – Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu opened a two-day Executive Council (EXCO) Lekgotla on Wednesday with a firm message: the era of “business-as-usual” is over, and the province must confront its service delivery failures with honesty and urgency.
The Lekgotla, the province’s highest strategic planning forum, brings together the Premier, MECs, executive mayors, national departments and senior officials to assess progress, shape policy, and guide implementation.
Ndlovu cautioned delegates that the gathering must not become a routine administrative exercise.
“This Lekgotla must reaffirm our shared responsibility to deliver on that mandate with urgency and discipline,” he said. “Let this Lekgotla be more than just another meeting; let it be a turning point that enhances coordination, speeds up delivery, and restores public trust in our work.”
He outlined what residents of Mpumalanga expect: reliable service delivery, functional municipalities, economic opportunities, safer communities and an accountable government.
“We see this gathering as an opportunity to face challenges honestly and boldly. Once we are able to do that, it means we will be capable of battling poverty, unemployment, and inequality,” Ndlovu added.
His call for frank dialogue comes amid ongoing concerns over delayed infrastructure projects, municipal revenue shortfalls and repeated audit failures. Recent EXCO reports pointed to strikes, theft, vandalism and severe weather as major causes of project delays, while municipalities continue to struggle with unpaid Eskom and Rand Water bills, threatening their financial stability.
In response, the Lekgotla resolved to intensify monitoring of audit action plans, strengthen coordination on infrastructure projects and fast-track the implementation of the Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP). Adopted earlier this year, the MTDP aims to drive inclusive growth, curb poverty and build a capable, ethical state.
Ndlovu’s message was clear: honest conversation is the first step toward turning commitments into tangible results for Mpumalanga’s 5.3 million residents. If the council can follow through, the province hopes to accelerate delivery of water, sanitation, housing and job-creation projects — and rebuild public trust in government.
