Ramathuba faces R90 billion accountability moment

Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba. Picture: Limpopo provincial government/Facebook It is expectations galore when Limpopo premier Phophi Ramathuba delivers her state of the province address (Sopa) in Polokwane today. Opposition parties and citizens are expecting a lot from the provincial government, whose annual budget for 2025-26 financial year is just below R90 billion.

Addressing the media in Polokwane on Tuesday, speaker of the Limpopo provincial legislature Makoma Makhurupetje said the Sopa is a cornerstone of the democratic calender. “This address sets the tone for governance and oversight for the year ahead,” said Makhurupetje. EFF provincial chair Lawrence Mapoulo said they expected Ramathuba’s Sopa to move beyond empty slogans and repeated promises that have characterised previous addresses.

“Unemployment in Limpopo continues to rise, specifically among youth, while nepotism and cadre deployment remain entrenched within government institutions,” he said. “Instead of prioritising competence and service delivery, opportunities are often given to allies.” Mapoulo said his party also expected Ramathuba to outline clear timelines and accountability for the Musina/Makhado and Fetakgomo/Tubatse special economic zones. He said the two zones have been repeatedly presented as catalysts for economic transformation in Limpopo. “Despite numerous funding efforts, the projects remained stagnant and the six-point plan that was promised has not been fully implemented,” he said.