By 
The Free State Provincial Government, under the leadership of Acting Premier Jabu Mbalula, has successfully resolved the shutdown in Phomolong, Henneman.
The protest action related to the Middelpunt Solar PV Project has been called off, restoring full access to essential services, including schooling for Grade 12 learners.
On Tuesday, 19 May 2026, Acting Premier Mbalula convened a stakeholder meeting in Henneman with representatives from the Middelpunt PV Solar investors, the Matjhabeng Local Municipality, and Phomolong community leaders. The discussions addressed legitimate community concerns regarding worker recruitment and participation in the project.
Community representatives rejected the proposed 60/40 recruitment split and demanded that Phomolong residents be prioritised as the primary beneficiaries of employment opportunities. They further requested the use of a verified Phomolong community database to ensure transparency and fairness in the hiring process. Following constructive engagements, agreement was reached.
A Memorandum of Demands was signed between the provincial government, the Middelpunt investors, and the Phomolong community. The company committed to working collaboratively with the community in a transparent and inclusive manner. Acting Premier Jabu Mbalula welcomed the resolution and commended the Phomolong community for their responsible conduct throughout the protest.
“I commend the community for maintaining peace and not vandalising state property. Their demands are reasonable, and residents must be prioritised in projects implemented in their area,” he stated.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to working closely with both the community and the company to ensure all demands are fully met. The resolution followed a series of proactive engagements by the provincial government.
On Friday, 15 May 2026, Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae met with the community and undertook to return after consulting all affected parties. On Tuesday, 19 May, Acting Premier Mbalula held an initial meeting with the Middelpunt investors and the municipality, followed by a further session to finalise details before engaging with the community.
The Phomolong community has expressed appreciation for the provincial government’s swift intervention and its unwavering commitment to resolving the impasse.
“This outcome has restored our confidence in government. It demonstrates government’s dedication to community upliftment and stakeholder collaboration in major investment projects as Acting Premier Mbalula said about the project they are implementing in Reitz”, said one community member.
