The Eastern Cape Provincial Government convened its Executive Council (EXCO) Lekgotla in KuGompo City, bringing together Members of the Executive Council, Heads of Departments, Mayors, Municipal Managers and Chief Executive Officers of provincial entities, all with the aim to strengthen service delivery and economic renewal
The Lekgotla assessed progress in implementing the province s Provincial Mid-Term Development Plan, focusing on inclusive growth and job creation, poverty reduction and addressing the high cost of living, as well as building a capable, ethical, and developmental state. In his remarks, Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane emphasised that government must move beyond plans and explanations to deliver visible, tangible results for communities. Our people no longer want explanations; they want change they can see and feel,” he said.
He outlined urgent provincial priorities, highlighting the need to strengthen local government by ensuring municipalities are functional and financially sustainable, enforcing consequence management without fear or favour, and stabilising senior management and technical capacity. He stressed that economic renewal must be driven by industrial parks and Special Economic Zones, manufacturing, agro-processing, the ocean economy, green energy, digital industries, and support for small, medium, and micro enterprises, cooperatives, and youth- and women-owned businesses.
Youth employment remains a critical area for the province and was one of the key discussion points, focusing on efforts for longer-term public employment programmes, alignment of skills training institutions with provincial economic needs, and entrepreneurship funding linked to real market opportunities. The meeting also highlighted the importance of community safety and social cohesion, including strengthening community-based crime prevention, supporting law enforcement and local safety forums, mobilising communities against gender-based violence, and building social networks linking health, education, and social development. The resolutions will translate to the Programme of Action for the 2026/27 financial year.
