MEC Jesta Sidell

28/10/2026

Today, I delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Hon. Premier, Mr Mandla Ndlovu, at the Emalahleni Mining, Energy & Industrial Expo, currently underway at The Dome @ The Ridge in eMalahleni. The Expo provides a vital platform to advance Mpumalanga’s economic growth agenda, promote investment opportunities, and strengthen partnerships across the mining, energy and industrial sectors.

We reaffirmed that our mining and energy heritage is not a constraint but a springboard for transformation, as we leverage our infrastructure, engineering expertise and skilled workforce to drive a Just Energy Transition that protects workers, sustains livelihoods and attracts new green industries.

28/10/2026

19/10/2026

Today, we joined the Honourable Premier, the Minister of International Relations, President Daniel Chapo of Mozambique, and the people of Mozambique in commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Mbuzini Tragedy. We gathered to honour the life and legacy of the former Mozambican President, Samora Machel, and all those who tragically lost their lives in the 1986 plane crash.

29/09/2026

The Mpumalanga Provincial Government today hosted the Consul General of India, Mr S Koventhan, and his delegation at the Riverside Government Complex in Mbombela to strengthen cooperation in investment, trade, skills development and job creation. Discussions focused on mining, green energy, tourism, technology, infrastructure, entrepreneurship and expanding market access for local businesses, particularly those owned by women and young people. The engagement reaffirmed the province’s commitment to inclusive economic growth, skills transfer and sustainable partnerships, with a business networking seminar involving over 20 India Business Forum delegates set to unlock investment opportunities and strengthen trade relations.

22/09/2026

Today we launched the 5th Provincial Tourism Careers Expo edition, held in Schoemansdal, Nkomazi Local Municipality. Hosted in partnership with the Department of Education and Nkomazi Local Municipality, the Expo culminates a series of competitions held across the three districts, where Grade 10 and 11 learners showcased their talents in tourism public speaking, soft furnishing, food production and hospitality, including baking.

The initiative seeks to expose learners and educators to the diverse opportunities within the tourism industry, while industry experts engage with participants and share valuable knowledge, experiences and career guidance. The Expo is therefore about empowering our youth with the knowledge, skills and vision to transform our rich cultural heritage into sustainable economic opportunities through tourism.

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21/09/2026

Tomorrow we will preside over the 2026 Provincial Tourism Careers Expo at Schoemansdal Community Hall.

18/09/2026

Today we joined Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ms Makhotso Sotyu, and Deputy Minister of Police Mr Cassel Mathale on the unveiling of Hotel 247's restaurant in Whiteriver City of Mbombela, celebrating a major investment partnership. This collaboration, supported by the Tourism Transformation Fund and National Empowerment Fund, has helped strengthen a black-owned tourism business.

This facility shows what's possible when government, development finance institutions, and entrepreneurs work together. The Department of Tourism is committed to driving transformation in the tourism sector, providing capital funding to help small black-owned businesses grow and expand.

15/09/2026

Today, we joined the Department of CoGHSTA for the Traditional Leadership Indaba at Emnotweni Arena in Mbombela. The Indaba provides an important platform for dialogue and engagement on matters affecting traditional leadership. Our participation focused on discussing the role of DEDT and its entities, the MTPA, MEGA and NSEZ.

Through strengthened collaboration with traditional leadership structures, we seek to unlock economic opportunities, promote investment, advance tourism development, support local enterprises and cooperatives, and ensure that the benefits of economic development reach communities across Mpumalanga.

15/09/2026

We have arrived at Emnothweni Arena in Mbombela for the Mpumalanga Traditional Leaders Indaba. We are here to engage Traditional leaders on matters affecting our communities, strengthen collaboration and advance inclusive rural development.

14/09/2026

On behalf of the Honourable Premier, Mr Mandla Ndlovu, we join the Honourable Minister, Ms Khensani Kubayi, at the launch of National Wills Week at the Oakley Sports Ground under the Mathibela Traditional Authority in Bushbuckridge. This important initiative seeks to engage and encourage community members to draft valid Wills, ensuring that their estates are distributed according to their wishes and that their loved ones are protected.