Limpopo's new premier, Mr Stan Mathabatha, said his government must take it as their primary mission to root out corruption.

During a media conference a day after his election, Mathabatha said people who served in government must be skilled, professional and disciplined. They must also “uphold the highest ethical standards to ward off any form of crime and corruption that could stain the image of government,” he added.

He emphasised the need to focus on strengthening systems and control measures in government in an effort to enhance efficiency and effectiveness towards service delivery.

According to him, he will not allow people to use state resources for personal enrichment. “This is taxpayer’s money. It is meant for nothing else but the improvement of people’s living conditions. We must reclaim the dignity and glory of Limpopo as the province of peace and prosperity,” he added.

He referred to the fact that five departments of the Limpopo provincial government are under national administration and added that his government would work hard  “to ensure that we restore the confidence and trust in how we manage our affairs, so that the national Cabinet can consider rescinding the decision to put our departments under administration,” he said.