By 
BOTSHABELO — In a decisive bid to reshape the economic landscape of the Free State, Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae has declared that her administration will “enjoy no rest” until the economic aspirations of the province’s youth are fully realized.
Speaking at the Letsema Cleaning Campaign at Kgorathuto Secondary School, the Premier announced a massive industrialisation drive designed to dismantle long-standing barriers to economic participation. Central to this vision is an anticipated R400 billion investment destined to position the Free State as a premier hub for growth and development.
According to Letsoha-Mathae, this influx of capital is poised to ignite profound structural changes, creating an expansive pool of employment opportunities tailored specifically for young people.
“Young people must join hands, form cooperatives, and submit business plans for funding through the Department of Economic Development and Tourism,” Letsoha-Mathae urged, emphasizing that the Letsema initiative aims to cultivate a culture of service, responsibility, and patriotism.
Reflecting on the legacy of Youth Day, the Premier called on the current generation to emulate the relentless courage of the class of 1976. However, she noted that today’s struggle must be fought on a different frontier, anchoring the journey to prosperity in education and innovation as the core catalysts for sustainable empowerment.
Supported by high-ranking regional officials—including Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Executive Mayor Lulama Titi Odili and Education District Director December Moloi—the event signalled a unified governmental front. The message from the leadership was clear: the youth must not despise humble beginnings, but rather seize every state-backed opportunity to tear down the walls of economic exclusion.
