Middelburg – The Mpumalanga provincial government was aware of the many problems experienced at the Middelburg Hospital and would therefore build another hospital at a cost of about R1 billion, Premier David Mabuza said on Friday.
"Your Middelburg Hospital has always had problems and we are trying to give our people good health care service," said Mabuza.
Mabuza was delivering his closing address before a crowd of about 3 000 members of the public in a packed marquee during the final open sitting of the provincial legislature, held at Themba Senamela Stadium in Mhluzi township, Middelburg.
The sitting was also attended by MECs and members of opposition parties represented in the legislature. It was part of the Taking the Legislature to the People drive which started on Monday.
Members of the public go home while others enjoy free lunch after attending the sitting of the provincial legislature at the Themba Senamela Stadium in Mhluzi township, Middelburg. PHOTO: ANA
Mabuza expressed concern at what he called the high rate of HIV infections in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, and also berated the youth for indulging in unprotected sex and falling pregnant at a young age.
"“The rate of HIV has gone up, meaning there is something we are not doing right but we have to beat this disease," said Mabuza.
"Our kids should not fall in love at the young age because we see many of them falling pregnant. Let us stand up against that, parents, because these kids are our future."
Mabuza's address was briefly disrupted by Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) member of the provincial legislature (MPL), Alfred Skhosana, who rose on a point of order and accused the premier of misleading the people by allegedly saying everyone had a right to campaign for their political parties at the legislature.
"We are here as government," shouted Skhosana. "You cannot forever mislead the people by telling lies."
A section of the crowd cheered on Skhosana, while legislature speaker, Thandi Shongwe, repeatedly asked him to sit down. Many other people in the crowd booed and hurled insults at Skhosana, forcing the intervention of the security personnel who calmed the crowd before restoring order.
Before he resumed his address, Mabuza apologised to the EFF and he was later seen laughing with Skhosana and another EFF MPL, Collen Sedibe.