Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism

Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism This is the Official page for the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism

The Mpumalanga Bambelela Business Awards 2026 in pictures:
29/05/2026

The Mpumalanga Bambelela Business Awards 2026 in pictures:


The Head of Department, Ms. Immy Serakalala, led the management team from the Department and its Public Entity, the Mpum...
29/05/2026

The Head of Department, Ms. Immy Serakalala, led the management team from the Department and its Public Entity, the Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA), during the follow up oversight visit by the Portfolio Committee on Economic Development and Tourism at Ekandustria Industrial Park.

The oversight visits by the Portfolio Committee is a follow up visit following the initial visit on 19 February 2026, designed to evaluate the progress achieved by MEGA to date since the previous visit as it undertook its Industrial Parks revitalisation programme.


On behalf of the Honourable Premier, Mr. Mandla Ndlovu, the MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Ms. Jesta Sidell, ...
28/05/2026

On behalf of the Honourable Premier, Mr. Mandla Ndlovu, the MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Ms. Jesta Sidell, joined the Minister Small Business Development, Ms. Stella Ndabeni and the Minister in the Presidency for Youth, Women and Persons with Disabilities, Ms. Sindisiwe Chikunga to the official launch of Phanda Thursday at Sasol Club, eMbalenhle in Secunda.

Phanda Thursday is a weekly national outreach program that delivers youth development services, economic opportunities, and government support directly to communities.

The initiative aims to tackle youth unemployment and service delivery challenges by bringing practical solutions and opportunities closer to young people across South Africa.


In line with our business regulation and compliance mandate, the Head of Department, Ms. Immy Serakalala, is leading a m...
28/05/2026

In line with our business regulation and compliance mandate, the Head of Department, Ms. Immy Serakalala, is leading a multi disciplinary team on business compliance inspections visits in the Dr. JS Moroka Local Municipality.

At the heart of this operation, is enforcement and strengthening of compliance with applicable business regulations.

The joint business inspection involving multiple stakeholders is an oversight function of the Department focusing on business regulation and license compliance, aiming to curb incidences of food-borne illnesses that have become prevalent recently.

The Department of Economic Development and Tourism is today appearing before the Portfolio Committee on Economic Develop...
26/05/2026

The Department of Economic Development and Tourism is today appearing before the Portfolio Committee on Economic Development and Tourism to table the Budget and Annual Performance Plan report of the Department and its Public Entities.

While giving her political overview, MEC Jesta Sidell indicated that the Department and its Public Entities have aligned their plans with the priorities of the 7th administration, the Medium-Term Development Plan, and the broader objective of building a capable, ethical, developmental state that places citizens at the center of service delivery.

MEC Sidell - “this engagement takes place against the backdrop of an economic turning point for our beautiful province. As the 7th administration, our mandate is clear, sharp and non-negotiable. We must accelerate economic transformation, spark industrialisation, cultivate our tourism potential and aggressively drive job creation to elevate the livelihoods of the people of Mpumalanga.

Our deliberations today are guided by the three overarching strategic pillars of the National Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP), which are to Drive inclusive growth and job creation; Reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living; and Building a capable, ethical and developmental state”

The Department appeared before the committee at the time when the provincial economic outlook is showing a quite but stable resilience. Following the provincial budget tabled in March, Mpumalanga’s economy is projected to grow by 1.3% in 2026, scaling up to 1.9% in 2027, with a long-term target of 3% by 2029.

MEC Sidell - “While global geopolitical tensions, especially supply chain disruptions in the Middle-East pose risks to our agricultural export markets and local farmers, our domestic metrics are highly encouraging. According to recent Quarterly Labour Force Survey data, Mpumalanga achieved a historic employment levels and ranked second nationally in job creation, anchored largely by growth in our services , finance, tourism, and agricultural sectors".


The MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Ms. Jesta Sidell met with the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), ...
25/05/2026

The MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Ms. Jesta Sidell met with the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), Kruger National Park, the Mpumalanga Provincial People & Parks Structure and our sister department, at the Riverside Government Complex, in the City of Mbombela.

The meeting served as a strategic forum geared towards addressing the effects of wildlife leaving their protected conservation areas on surrounding communities.

The meeting further sought to enhance collaborative efforts between nature reserves/parks and local communities.

The MEC reiterated government's commitment to inclusive participation from stakeholders. She further encouraged all and sundry to strengthen collaboration and partnership in dealing with the challenges.

The Head of Department, Ms. Immy Serakalala has graced the glittering occasion of Mister Mpumalanga Grand Coronation cur...
23/05/2026

The Head of Department, Ms. Immy Serakalala has graced the glittering occasion of Mister Mpumalanga Grand Coronation currently underway at the Civic Centre, in Mbombela.

The Mister Mpumalanga 2026 – Tourism Development & Youth Empowerment Initiative is a
strategic provincial platform that combines tourism promotion with youth development, offering
unmatched visibility and impact for partners.

The programme identifies, trains, and empowers young
men to serve as ambassadors of Mpumalanga, showcasing the province’s natural beauty, vibrant
culture, and entrepreneurial opportunities on both national and international stages.
Through targeted campaigns, community engagement, and global representation, participants drive
heritage conservation, responsible tourism, and inclusive economic growth.

As part of moral regeneration, the head of Department, Ms. Serakalala is expected to use this occasion to address a boy child and give a message of support.


The, MEC for Economic Development and Tourism Ms. Jesta Sidell, together with Bushbuckridge Local Municipality Executive...
22/05/2026

The, MEC for Economic Development and Tourism Ms. Jesta Sidell, together with Bushbuckridge Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Cllr. Matlanatso Lydia Moroane-Zitha officially opened the Rhulani Xidakeni water project on behalf of Premier Mr. Mandla Ndlovu, at Rhulani Xidakeni Village, in the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality.

The project is a Public-Private Partnership between the Mpumalanga Provincial Government, Malamala Game Reserve, and Innovation Africa. It was launched to address long-standing water challenges faced by the community of Rhulani Xidakeni Village.

"Today we are here to celebrate the investment made to the community of Rhulani Xidakeni. This water project has not only unlocked job oppertunities for the Rhulani Xidakeni community but it further produced fresh drinkable water and brought dignity to the community and surrounding areas. I implore the community to jealously guard the new built infrastructure", MEC Sidell said.

Press Release:MEC SIDELL BELIEVES THE ENGAGEMENTS SHE HELD AT THE 2026 AFRICA’S TRAVEL INDABA WILL TRANSLATE INTO REAL T...
21/05/2026

Press Release:

MEC SIDELL BELIEVES THE ENGAGEMENTS SHE HELD AT THE 2026 AFRICA’S TRAVEL INDABA WILL TRANSLATE INTO REAL TOURISM GROWTH IN THE PROVINCE

The MEC for Economic Development and Tourism Ms. Jesta Sidell has today addressed Micro, Small, and Medium Entreprises (...
19/05/2026

The MEC for Economic Development and Tourism Ms. Jesta Sidell has today addressed Micro, Small, and Medium Entreprises (MSMEs) at the inaugural ground breaking Manufacturing and Industrialist Summit 2026 hosted by the Nkomazi Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) the at Paradise Creek Lodge, Malelane, in the Nkomazi Local Municipality.

The Summit forms part of the NSEZ’s broader commitment of advancing industrialisation, manufacturing growth, regional trade, and inclusive economic participation within Mpumalanga and it is positioned strategically along the Maputo Corridor, gateway linking South Africa to Mozambique, Eswatini, and regional markets across Southern Africa.

"It is a profound honor and privilege to stand before you today at this inaugural MSME Manufacturing and Industrialist Summit 2026. This summit is not just another item on our provincial calendar; it is a deliberate, strategic platform designed to fundamentally disrupt the economic landscape of Ehlanzeni District. This summit is your invitation to take your rightful place in this mega-project", MEC Sidell explained.

The Summit brought together manufacturing MSMEs, industrialists, government stakeholders, development finance institutions, logistics partners, corporate buyers, and academic institutions.

Address

No. 7 Government Boulevard
Mbombela
1201

Opening Hours

Monday 07:45 - 16:15
Tuesday 07:45 - 16:15
Wednesday 07:45 - 16:15
Thursday 07:45 - 16:15
Friday 07:45 - 16:15

Telephone

0137664004

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