By 
BLOEMFONTEIN – The Premier of the Free State, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, has expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming visit of President Cyril Ramaphosa and members of the national cabinet to the Free State, scheduled for 27 March 2026 at the Centenary Complex at the University of the Free State (UFS) in Bloemfontein.
Premier Letsoha-Mathae states that the visit is a crucial part of strengthening Intergovernmental Relations to support the province’s agenda for the “Year of Decisive Action to Fix Local Government and Transform the Economy,” which aligns with the national priorities of the Medium-Term Development Plan.
“As a province, we have made significant strides in turning the tide against unemployment and positioning the Free State as a leader in the Just Energy Transition. This visit by the President provides a vital opportunity to showcase the progress we are making and to secure the necessary support from national government to accelerate our growth trajectory,” said Premier Letsoha-Mathae.
The Free State has solidified its position as the preferred renewable energy investment destination, currently tracking projects with a capital investment exceeding R100 billion. These projects, including the Khauta Solar Project and the Mulilo Battery Energy Storage Project, are central to strengthening the national grid and creating sustainable jobs.
In addition, the province’s economic transformation agenda is gaining momentum, with notable successes in job creation. The Expanded Public Works Programme has surpassed its targets, creating over 46,000 work opportunities. Furthermore, the province continues to support small businesses and local entrepreneurs, with 692 small enterprises assisted with compliance and 56 spaza shops receiving financial backing.
On the vital front of local government recovery, the Premier will brief the President on the intensive interventions underway in several municipalities placed under Section 139 of the Constitution. The focus will be on the implementation of recovery plans, improving audit outcomes, and accelerating service delivery through strategic infrastructure investments.
“The Free State is open for business, and we are committed to inclusive growth. From the revitalisation of the Maluti-a-Phofung Special Economic Zone to the strategic development corridors in the Karoo and Mangaung, our province is a critical hub for investment. We will use this engagement with the President to highlight these catalytic projects and call for collaboration to unlock their full potential,” Premier Letsoha-Mathae concluded.
The province’s strategic assets including the Gariep Dam, the largest dam in South Africa, key national routes such as the N1, N6 and N8, and its vast renewable energy potential position the Free State as a critical gateway for regional economic development.
The upcoming Presidential visit is therefore expected to further strengthen cooperation between national, provincial and local government in driving inclusive growth, investment and improved service delivery for the people of the Free State.
