Mpumalanga Premier
Middelburg – Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu has hailed the massive R242-billion in investment commitments secured at the province’s Investment and Mining Conference, calling it a game-changer for the local economy. Wrapping up the two-day event in Middelburg on Friday, 3 October 2025, Ndlovu praised investors for their promises and stressed the need for close teamwork to turn them into reality. “I know you, you promise less and you are least disappointing. I am humbled with all the commitments made in this conference of R242-billion investments to the economy of the province,” he told delegates. The pledges, which smashed the initial R50-billion target, span key sectors like mining, renewable energy, and infrastructure, setting the stage for job creation and growth in one of South Africa’s hardest-hit areas by unemployment and poverty. As the province eyes a brighter future, Ndlovu warned that words alone won’t cut it – action must follow.
This gathering comes at a key time for Mpumalanga, a coal-dependent region pushing for a just shift to greener energy. With high joblessness rates and youth struggles, these funds could spark real change if handled right. Ndlovu made it clear his team is ready to track progress and smash barriers, urging all sides to stay committed through ups and downs.
Conference Highlights and Major Commitments
The Mpumalanga Investment and Mining Conference drew big names from business and government to the Sydney Choma Banquet Hall in Steve Tshwete Local Municipality. Over two days, investors stepped up with pledges far beyond the hoped-for R50 billion, hitting R242 billion in total. These cover mining boosts, solar and wind projects, and other growth areas to cut poverty and create work.
Key figures like Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa spoke, promising a quick end to load reduction in the province to help investors. Other talks focused on renewable energy, with Mike Teke highlighting solar and wind chances to shift from coal. Tumelo Machogo also shared views on drawing funds to build the economy. The event showed Mpumalanga’s pull as a hub for mining and new green jobs, with plans to ramp up infrastructure and farming.
Ndlovu’s Pledge to Tackle Bureaucracy and Ensure Delivery
Ndlovu was upfront about past hurdles that scare off investors, vowing to fix them head-on. “We promise to deal with all the red tapes that slow down or divert investments in the province,” he said. He added that commitments mean little without ongoing support: “As government, we value your commitments. But your commitments will be meaningless if we are only available today to receive blessings but not walk side by side with you when you are confronted with challenges.”
He pointed to the province’s strong track record in getting things done, like leading the country in infrastructure rollout, ahead of even the Western Cape. “Perusal of various reports confirm that we are the best performers in terms of infrastructure delivery in the country,” Ndlovu noted, crediting deliberate efforts in housing, roads, and farming programmes. These wins, he said, show Mpumalanga’s readiness to turn pledges into projects that benefit everyone.
Targeting Growth, Jobs, and Poverty Reduction
The premier tied the investments to big goals like hitting 3% economic growth, dropping unemployment to 25%, and wiping out joblessness among young graduates. “When we committed to have 3% economic growth, 25% unemployment rate but zero percent youth graduate unemployment rate, we know that we are not alone,” he said, quoting the song “Angingedwa” to stress teamwork.
Mpumalanga faces tough odds, with youth joblessness over 40% and many relying on mining amid a shift to renewables. Ndlovu sees these funds as a way to create lasting jobs, boost skills, and lift families out of hardship. By focusing on mining upgrades and green energy, the province aims to keep its economy strong while going cleaner.
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