Limpopo Premier's swansong, but what will be Stanley Mathabatha's legacy?
In the second in a new series of interviews featuring South African Premiers, Clement Manyathela speaks to Limpopo's Stanley Mathabatha.
FILE: The provincial party said posters claiming Mathabatha joined the MK party were gaining traction on social media. Picture: X/GautengANC
Clement Manyathela is joined by the outgoing Premier of Limpopo, Stanley Mathabatha.
Outgoing Limpopo Premier Stanley Mathabatha told his last executive council meeting last week that he leaves the role thrilled that he served his province when it needed him most.
He however, recognised outstanding matters such as issues related to water provision and projects that have stalled for several years.
The meeting was held at a venue outside Polokwane last Wednesday, where Mathabatha reflected on the milestones and challenges of the sixth administration under his leadership.
As he prepares for his swansong as Premier, he says leaving office feels like a burden is being relieved from his back.
He is also confident that he's leaving the province in a better state than he found it.
"I am very certain that many people in Limpopo would actually say, I appreciate a lot of things you have already done."
Stanley Mathabatha, Premier - Limpopo
Mathabatha says when he took office in 2014, five of the province's departments, including finance, were under administration.
"We had three years when there was no effective service delivery when it comes to infrastructure...we had a huge overdraft and we had huge amounts of unauthorised expenditure that we needed to deal with."
Stanley Mathabatha, Premier - Limpopo
The situation 11 years later is much improved, he says.
"Fast forward to today, you've got a Limpopo which is cash positive."
Stanley Mathabatha, Premier - Limpopo
But what about the failures in the province?
"I have to concede that, despite the fact we have done such good work in the province, there are areas where we are still found wanting and water is one of them."
Stanley Mathabatha, Premier - Limpopo
Earlier this year, the ANC in Limpopo asserted that Mathabatha had no intention to join former president Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, saying he remained committed to the governing party.
ALSO READ:
'If I fail to fight crime in Gauteng, I'll throw the towel and resign' – Panyaza Lesufi
Scroll up to listen to the full interview