Rofhiwa Marubini-Tshitahe 
February is a momentous month for both Gauteng Provincial Government and residents. It is a time for reflection, thinking ahead and prioritising the needs of the province. 
Each year, the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL), led by Speaker Ntombi Mekgwe, holds the first sitting which sees Premier David Makhura deliver the State of the Province Address (SOPA). 
This platform is an opportunity for Premier Makhura to give an overview of the political and socio-economic state of the province as well as the Gauteng government's service delivery commitments for the year ahead.
This year, Premier Makhura is expected to deliver his fourth SOPA of the 6th administration on Tuesday, 21 February 2022 in a hybrid sitting at Brixton Multi-Purpose Centre.
Here are five reasons why you should not miss SOPA:
SOPA gives us an overview of government's efforts and plans. It will highlight old programmes that have been successful as well as upcoming programmes yet to be implemented and how residents can get involved. 
It will allow residents to scrutinise the information presented and to identify where taxpayers' money will be directed.   
The Premier will address pertinent issues facing Gauteng residents. These will include plans to defeat COVID-19, province's social policy to improve educational and health outcomes, efforts in the fight against corruption, improving governance across the Gauteng City-Region to focus on delivering results and improving the quality of life and re-igniting the Gauteng economy.
It will give residents a glimpse of the province's future. How will government address the high youth unemployment? What is the province's progress with RDP housing distribution? Will there be any consequences for those involved in corruption? How will service delivery be accelerated? How will government ensure an equal future for all? SOPA will be the residents roadmap to finding the answers to these questions. 
SOPA is democracy in action as seen through the robust debate in the legislature to allow all constituencies an opportunity to express their opinion. SOPA is preceded by intense discussions in the media and academic institutions that inform and shape public opinion.
To keep democracy functioning, everyone must take a constructive interest in how the province is managed.
GAuteng Residents can do so by tuning in to the live broadcast on @GautengProvince @GautengProvincialLegislature social media handles from 10 am on 21 February 2022. 
Alternatively, tune into DStv's Parliamentary Channel 408 or any of the Gauteng-based community radio stations to hear first-hand what is planned for the province.