Premier Ramathuba delivers 2026 state of the province address
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba on Thursday, 5 March delivered the 2026 State of the Province Address [SOPA] at Jack Botes Hall in Polokwane.
It is a second State of the Province Address by Ramathuba since being appointed as the Premier.
The ceremony was attended by, among others, Members of the Legislature, Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII, the regent Bapedi Queen, Manyaku Thulare, His Grace the Right Reverend Bishop Dr. Barnabas Edward Lekganyane of Zion Christian Church (ZCC) and the Business fraternity.
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She highlighted the province’s restoration plans for the overwhelming floods that swept away roads, homes, hope, dignity and lives.
She also touched on the expansion of the province’s growth to be a multi-sectoral economy, inclusive of all persons from various sectors.
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Ramathuba also highlighted on boosting agricultural activities, as the sector is one of the major contributors to the province’s economy – shining a special light to the Zebediela Citrus Farm.
“Last year I made a passionate plea when I said: “It pains me every time where I drive past the once renowned Zebediela Citrus Farm seeing it in its hollow state, failing to rise from the ashes,” she said.
“We are not a government of empty promises, but of action and tangible results. Just last week, as a follow-up, I went back to Zebediela.
“Farming operations have started, which includes planting 500 hectares of white sugar beans as an early soil preparation towards our long-term citrus restoration. This intervention will also be a short-term cash flow generation mechanism; expected to create about 460 local job opportunities, especially during the harvesting period by July 2026,” she added.
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With the issue of water a big challenge in the province, Ramathuba announced plans to meet with the Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina.
“The water challenges in Polokwane have gone on for far too long. And we must say it clearly: the blame game is not giving our people water,” she said.
“Water provision must never be reduced to politics, point-scoring or public quarrels while communities queue for buckets.
“Honourable Speaker, this matter does not apply to Polokwane alone. Water insecurity is a threat to inclusive growth across Limpopo. As part of resolving this crisis, we will meet the Honourable Minister of Water and Sanitation tomorrow, 06 March 2026.”
Meanwhile, the premier announced that 17 new road projects will be implemented in the 2026/27 financial year and are to be distributed across all villages in Limpopo.
