MEC Rachoene Charts Limpopo’s Infrastructure Comeback: “Development is About People”

MEC for Public Works, Roads & Infrastructure Ernest Rachoene delivers the 2026/27 Budget Vote in his department’s signature orange and navy workwear at the Limpopo Legislature, Lebowakgomo. “Development is about people,” he told the House.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief, The Azanian  

12 May 2026, Limpopo Provincial Legislature

LIMPOPO – The Limpopo Provincial Legislature turned yellow, orange, and white on Monday as MEC for Public Works, Roads & Infrastructure Tonny Ernest Sebataolo Rachoene tabled a R6.474 billion budget aimed at turning flood recovery into lasting delivery.

Speaking to the Legislature, MEC Rachoene known as "MEC Dikgerekgere" opened with the department’s mantra: “The heartland of southern Africa – development is about people!” It set the tone for a speech focused on roads, jobs, accountability, and partnerships that put communities first.

Last year’s floods exposed how much Limpopo depends on reliable infrastructure. But instead of stalling, the department used the crisis to rebuild smarter and faster. “Yet amid these challenges, the resilience of the people of Limpopo stood firm,” MEC Rachoene said. “And our resolve is not dampened by the rain; rather, it is forged in the recovery.”

The budget breaks down into four priorities: R4.222 billion for Roads Infrastructure to upgrade, rehabilitate, and maintain the network; R1.529 billion for Infrastructure Operations to keep hospitals, schools, and public buildings functional; R88.281 million for EPWP to create immediate jobs and skills; and R633.886 million for Administration to strengthen oversight.

Delivery was the headline. The Steelpoort Bridge in Fetakgomo-Tubatse, built through a public-private partnership with Dwarsrivier Chrome, Glencore, Rustenburg Platinum, Samancor Chrome, Booysendal Platinum, Two Rivers Platinum, and Rakhoma Mining Resources, is now open. Officially launched on 8 May by Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba and Minister Gwede Mantashe, the bridge has cut travel time between Lydenburg and Sekhukhune and unlocked investment in the district.

Elsewhere, progress is visible. The Mavhunga Bypass D3669 in Vhembe is 95% complete. Project T866 in Sekhukhune reached 32% in three months. The D3150 Road in Mopani is 50% complete, with the Premier personally monitoring progress. In total, 43 road projects – 21 upgrades and 22 rehabilitations – are active across all five districts.

To break the cycle of potholes and patchwork, the department allocated R600 million for preventative maintenance on 44 roads. An additional R100 million over the MTEF will strengthen the yellow fleet for pothole repairs and heavy haulage.

The #DikgerekgereWednesdays program is putting maintenance teams on the roads weekly, visible in orange gear and accountable to communities.

Infrastructure is also a jobs engine. The department delivered 64,313 EPWP work opportunities in 2025/26, achieving 93% of its target. Through partnerships with MERSETA and CETA, 210 young people are in apprenticeship and learnership programs for electrical, diesel mechanical, welding, plumbing, carpentry, and bricklaying.

The department is also leading on inclusion, partnering with the South African Council for the Blind, DEAFSA, DPSA, and Fulufhelo Special School. The EPWP Disability Framework launches provincially in 2026/27.

Accountability featured strongly. Contracts were terminated and entities blacklisted where performance failed. 22 household contractors are now maintaining high-priority roads in Sekhukhune, Mopani, and Capricorn.

The department secured a High Court ruling to return four fraudulently sold state properties valued at R22 million, with 105 more cases referred to the NPA Asset Forfeiture Unit.

Unity and partnerships closed the circle. MEC Rachoene recognized Kgoshi Mathupa Mokoena, President of CONTRALESA, Kgoshi Malekutu Phaudi Mphahlele and ANC Provincial Secretary Reuben Madadzhe, alongside Premier Ramathuba, Portfolio Committee Chair Hon. Mashiane, and SCOPA Chair Hon. Esther Mokwele. A MOU with six mining companies will bring R105 million for road maintenance, while the De Beers Group is upgrading a 5km stretch on D1589 in Blouberg.

Quoting President Thabo Mbeki, MEC Rachoene closed: “Whatever the setbacks of the moment, nothing can stop us now.” He thanked his team, the Dikgerekgere workers, Labour Unions, and his family.

“The people of Limpopo are waiting, and we must deliver,” he said. Under his leadership, delivery is happening.

MEC Rachoene stands with CONTRALESA President Kgoshi Mathupa Mokoena,Kgoshi Malekutu Phaudi Mphahlele and other dignitaries during the Budget Vote proceedings in Lebowakgomo. Traditional leadership was recognized as key to driving infrastructure delivery at community level.

MEC Rachoene explains the department’s equipment and operations to delegates, including Kgoshi Mokoena and senior officials, during the outdoor exhibition in Lebowakgomo. The MEC emphasized accountability and visibility in service delivery.