Radical economic transformation is expected to be at the centre of Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza's speech when he delivers his State of the Province Address (Sopa) in Mbombela on Friday.
Speaking on SABC 2’s Morning Live on Friday, Mpumalanga legislature Speaker Thandi Shongwe said they looked forward to hearing Mabuza’s plans in turning the province’s fortunes around.
Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza and Legislature Speaker Thandi Shongwe arrive for the SOPA in Nelspruit @IOLPolitics @ReporterStar pic.twitter.com/tEEkFtgLLe
— Luyolo Mkentane (@luyolomkentane) February 24, 2017
The economy was still firmly entrenched in the hands of the “white minority” in the province she said, adding that Mabuza was likely to touch on how he planned to reverse the matter during the Sopa.
Mabuza is the ANC provincial chairperson and a member of the party’s national executive committee. He has been premier of Mpumalanga since May 2009.
The province’s economy is heavily reliant on the crucial, but back-breaking agriculture and mining sectors.
President Jacob Zuma set the tone for radical economic transformation during his State of the Nation where he spoke of the need for black people to participate in the economy and for the land to be returned to its rightful owners, among other things.
@luyolomkentane