FS Premier promises better service delivery, reduced unemployment

Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae has announced that the next five years will represent a moment of great re-awakening and a completely new society for the province.

She was speaking during the official opening of the seventh administration of the Free State Legislature in Bloemfontein.

Letsoha-Mathae was elected as the 8th Premier of the province in June, following the general elections in May.

During her first state of the province address, Letsoha-Mathae emphasised that unemployment in the province has been worsened by low economic growth and remains a crisis.

Free State government’s implementation strategy is expected to drastically transform things.

It is said to be more decisive and aggressive.

Letsoha-Mathae emphasized the need to grow the provincial economy, create more jobs, reduce poverty and build a capable government.

“Given our experience, we now know what works better, what does not work, and what needs to be done. Valuable lessons have been learned. We will address unemployment, reignite economic growth, eradicate poverty and reduce inequality.”

“These goals go beyond mere intentions; they reflect our unwavering commitment to create a better life for all. We dare not fail, for we have come too far. Looking back at the past thirty years, we have made strides and changed our society for the better,” she adds.

The Premier has also cautioned against the alarming rise of gender-based violence incidents in the province.

She says more resources will be directed to shelters and safe houses, among others.

Letsoha-Mathae also read the riot act to corrupt government officials adding that they will be dealt with and efforts will be made to recover money that was unduly paid to service providers.

“[I note] with concern the practice of facilitating payments to service providers, without work being done. We will embark on a process to recover all monies which were unduly paid to service providers. We are outraged by elements who have resorted to destruction, intimidation and extortion to get a share of contractors’ projects without doing any work.”

“These are criminals with no respect for law and order. To tackle these challenges, we will work with law enforcement agencies,” adds Letsoha-Mathae.

Below is the full address by the Premier