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The state of Free State municipalities came under serious scrutiny during the parliamentary oversight visit last year, whereby lack of service delivery and incompetency were laid bare for everyone to see.
The African National Congress’s (ANC) Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) in the Free State resolved to address the matter of malfunctioning municipalities by making changes to the respective councils. The PEC also resolved on focusing on growing the economy of the province and create the much need jobs.
The Spokesperson of the ANC in the province Thabo Meeko said, the PEC reflected once again on the issue pertaining to its Resolution in the Reconfiguration of Troikas. Whilst acknowledging the understandable delay in the implementation but insisted that the integrity of the process be not compromised including its outcomes on candidates selection.
He said the PEC resolved to strengthen the process by improving on the names for interviews and be a starting point to be deliberate for the production of solid political leadership in all areas of struggle. The PEC noted a continued intervention by Provincial Government on matters raised by Cogta visit and AG findings.
Meeko said the PEC resolved in taking advantage of the available economic opportunities within the province and also, the ANC in the Free State has welcomed the call by its Secretary General Fikile Mbalula to March against the United States of America as a symbol of protecting South Africa’s sovereignty.
“Aligned with the January 8th emphasis on economic transformation, the PEC dedicated substantial time to the Free State Economy. We are resolved to leverage our provincial budget strategically to stimulate growth and bread and butter issues confronting our people. This includes aggressively advancing initiatives such as the development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to attract investment and create jobs.
We welcomed the planned March for to defend our Sovereignty in March 2026, and committed to contribute towards its success, the anticipated participants, is not merely a protest but a positive mobilisation to recognise the notes of our people and explore a roadmap of interests to overcome international economic challenges, foster International Relations in between nations and countries. As a province, we pledge to contribute meaningfully to the national agenda, including within all global forums so to advocate for a fair global economic order,” said Thabo Meeko.
“The PEC recognised the deep intersection between Food Security, Mental Health, and social stability. We support programmes to manage the movement of livestock sustainably, increase vaccination drives (aiming for 25% coverage in key areas), and modernise quarantine protocols.
We must reverse the etiological factors of poverty and inequality. In this light, we honour the legacy of the 1913 Land Act and the brave Women’s Marches against it, vowing to accelerate land reform and agricultural support to create a positive Class Effect for the rural and urban poor. Furthermore, we have discussed the need for decisive Criminal Legislation reform, advocating for an Action Plan to overhaul systems and ensure our judiciary reflects a deep people’s orientation,” said Meeko.
