Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane
The Mpumalanga provincial government has integrated coding and robotics into the curriculum of 128 schools. This pilot program spans across grades R to 3 and grade 7, setting a new standard for education in the province.
The introduction of this cutting-edge technology was announced by Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane during the recent State of the Province Address (SOPA). “That pilot is progressing well and 128 schools, from Grade R to 3 and Grade 7, are currently doing coding and robotics,” the Premier informed attendees, illuminating the province’s commitment to future-ready education.

Furthering their dedication to technology-infused learning, the provincial government, since 2022, has equipped Grade 12 learners and their educators in the lowest three quantiles with tablets and laptops, respectively. With devices preloaded with vital e-content and an imminent offline application, access to education will transcend traditional classrooms, allowing learning to continue unfettered by data or connectivity constraints.
“This government continues to strengthen e-learning in our schools. This year, the province will introduce the smart schools concept in eight schools where both teachers and learners will utilise technological devices and thus making the schools paperless,” explained Mtshweni-Tsipane, spotlighting the ongoing mission to elevate the academic environment.
The Premier also declared the securement of land for the proposed School for the Deaf and Blind within Emalahleni Municipality, a development that she notes will greatly benefit the special needs community. “Once the school is completed, the 250 deaf learners currently studying at Bukhosibetfu Full Service School and the 200 in other special schools will be relocated to the new school,” she stated.
Job Creation and Youth Empowerment
The Mpumalanga government’s proactivity stretches beyond education. By January 2024, an astounding 63,478 jobs had been generated through various programmes, including the Siyatentela Road Maintenance Programme and the School Handymen and Tourism Safety Monitors initiatives.
Furthermore, the Premier passionately spoke of the success in youth job creation, “Since 2021 and through the Presidential Employment Stimulus, we have trained and created a total of 65,296 job opportunities for unemployed youth in different schools.”
Highlighting the impact of the Premier’s Youth Development Fund, Mtshweni-Tsipane said, “Since its inception in 2019, the Premier’s Youth Development Fund has disbursed R258 million to fund 182 youth-owned enterprises. The funded beneficiaries have created more than 630 jobs in agriculture, mining, manufacturing as well as film and production.”
Tourism and Infrastructure Development
Efforts to bolster the province’s tourism have led to the enhancement of facilities in four nature reserves, setting the stage for increased tourist activity and reinforcing the wildlife-human coexistence. The province has even caught the eye of FlySaFair, with new routes introduced as of April 2024, connecting Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport with Cape Town. This follows an encouraging report by Stats SA that placed Mpumalanga as a top destination for international visitors.
Additionally, the Premier unveiled plans to construct a state-of-the-art interchange to improve traffic flow and boost safety, with construction scheduled for the 2024/25 fiscal period.
Caring for Vulnerable Communities
A compassionate approach was also detailed, with government actions placing over 500 children in foster care, aiding thousands of substance abusers with new treatment centres, and empowering an extensive network of NGOs to fortify societal values and cohesion.
Premier Mtshweni-Tsipane remarked on the pervasive issue of substance abuse and the government’s response. “Substance abuse has become endemic, negatively impacting on the lives of the substance abusers and their close families. We opened our doors and our hearts to more than 1,942 substance abusers who needed our help.”