These remarks were made by ActionSA’s Member of the Mpumalanga Legislature, Thoko Mashiane, during the Debate on the State of the Province Address (SOPA).
Good morning Honourable Members,
I would like to thank Honourable Premier Ndlovu for his address at the opening of the 7th Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature.
While many important issues were highlighted, I must express my deep concern over the glaring omission of the Lily Mine tragedy, which remains a deeply painful wound for our province. This tragedy is not just a historical event; it is a continuing injustice, a scar on our conscience that needs to be addressed. The affected families deserve closure, but more than that, they deserve the dignity of knowing that the sacrifices made by their loved ones will not be in vain and will indeed lead to something greater for our province.
The Lily Mine site holds untapped potential for economic revitalisation. If properly managed, reopening this mine could serve as a catalyst for job creation in a region plagued with high unemployment rates. The economic challenges facing our province are well-known, and this is one opportunity where a tangible difference can be made. Ignoring this issue not only dishonours those who were lost but also overlooks a significant opportunity to provide sustainable employment to the communities of Mpumalanga.
Our Province is blessed with rich mineral resources, yet we have numerous inactive mines that are currently underutilised. These assets represent untapped opportunities that could be leveraged to uplift our communities and stimulate economic growth. There is a vast potential for job creation in these areas, and it is something we simply cannot afford to ignore. We must prioritise not only the reopening of these mines but also invest in the necessary infrastructure and development initiatives that will ensure long-term employment and economic stability for our people.
As we discuss the Just Energy Transition, which is crucial for our future, we must ensure that it includes a clear and actionable strategy for reactivating these assets and transitioning our workforce into sustainable jobs. The Just Energy Transition cannot be just a buzzword; it must be a commitment to a better future for all of Mpumalanga’s citizens. It is important that we move beyond the rhetoric and focus on the practical steps that will ensure our province remains economically viable in a world where sustainability becomes increasingly important.
A key component of this strategy should involve our technical colleges and vocational training institutions. These institutions have the potential to equip our workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in a green economy. By providing training in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable mining practices, and advanced manufacturing, we can prepare our people for the jobs of the future. This is not just about providing education; it is about empowering our people to take control of their own economic destiny.
Investing in education and training is the key to unlocking the potential of our province. We must ensure that our youth, in particular, are given the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing economy. This will require collaboration between the government, industry, and educational institutions to develop curricula that are aligned with the needs of our economy. We need to ensure that our people are not just job seekers, but job creators – individuals who can contribute to the economic growth and sustainability of our province.
Moreover, as we transition towards a greener economy, we must not forget those who have been reliant on traditional industries, such as coal mining, which has been a significant part of Mpumalanga’s economy for decades. The Just Energy Transition must include support for these workers, helping them to reskill and find new opportunities in the green economy. This is not just about economic necessity; it is a moral imperative to ensure that our communities are not left behind as we move towards a more sustainable future.
Honourable members, the time for action is now. Let us commit to a future where no community in Mpumalanga is left behind. Let us ensure that the benefits of the Just Energy Transition are felt by all, and that we create an economy that is not only sustainable but also inclusive and fair. This is our chance to turn words into action, and I urge this Legislature to seize this opportunity with both hands. Together, we can build a Mpumalanga that is prosperous, sustainable, and just for all its citizens.
Thank you.
Decisive Action: The Only Way to Build a Prosperous Mpumalanga
These remarks were made by ActionSA’s Member of the Mpumalanga Legislature, Thoko Mashiane, during the Debate on the State of the Province Address (SOPA).
Good morning Honourable Members,
I would like to thank Honourable Premier Ndlovu for his address at the opening of the 7th Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature.
While many important issues were highlighted, I must express my deep concern over the glaring omission of the Lily Mine tragedy, which remains a deeply painful wound for our province. This tragedy is not just a historical event; it is a continuing injustice, a scar on our conscience that needs to be addressed. The affected families deserve closure, but more than that, they deserve the dignity of knowing that the sacrifices made by their loved ones will not be in vain and will indeed lead to something greater for our province.
The Lily Mine site holds untapped potential for economic revitalisation. If properly managed, reopening this mine could serve as a catalyst for job creation in a region plagued with high unemployment rates. The economic challenges facing our province are well-known, and this is one opportunity where a tangible difference can be made. Ignoring this issue not only dishonours those who were lost but also overlooks a significant opportunity to provide sustainable employment to the communities of Mpumalanga.
Our Province is blessed with rich mineral resources, yet we have numerous inactive mines that are currently underutilised. These assets represent untapped opportunities that could be leveraged to uplift our communities and stimulate economic growth. There is a vast potential for job creation in these areas, and it is something we simply cannot afford to ignore. We must prioritise not only the reopening of these mines but also invest in the necessary infrastructure and development initiatives that will ensure long-term employment and economic stability for our people.
As we discuss the Just Energy Transition, which is crucial for our future, we must ensure that it includes a clear and actionable strategy for reactivating these assets and transitioning our workforce into sustainable jobs. The Just Energy Transition cannot be just a buzzword; it must be a commitment to a better future for all of Mpumalanga’s citizens. It is important that we move beyond the rhetoric and focus on the practical steps that will ensure our province remains economically viable in a world where sustainability becomes increasingly important.
A key component of this strategy should involve our technical colleges and vocational training institutions. These institutions have the potential to equip our workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in a green economy. By providing training in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable mining practices, and advanced manufacturing, we can prepare our people for the jobs of the future. This is not just about providing education; it is about empowering our people to take control of their own economic destiny.
Investing in education and training is the key to unlocking the potential of our province. We must ensure that our youth, in particular, are given the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing economy. This will require collaboration between the government, industry, and educational institutions to develop curricula that are aligned with the needs of our economy. We need to ensure that our people are not just job seekers, but job creators – individuals who can contribute to the economic growth and sustainability of our province.
Moreover, as we transition towards a greener economy, we must not forget those who have been reliant on traditional industries, such as coal mining, which has been a significant part of Mpumalanga’s economy for decades. The Just Energy Transition must include support for these workers, helping them to reskill and find new opportunities in the green economy. This is not just about economic necessity; it is a moral imperative to ensure that our communities are not left behind as we move towards a more sustainable future.
Honourable members, the time for action is now. Let us commit to a future where no community in Mpumalanga is left behind. Let us ensure that the benefits of the Just Energy Transition are felt by all, and that we create an economy that is not only sustainable but also inclusive and fair. This is our chance to turn words into action, and I urge this Legislature to seize this opportunity with both hands. Together, we can build a Mpumalanga that is prosperous, sustainable, and just for all its citizens.
Thank you.