By 
The Free State Province Premier Ms MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae will today, Friday, 21 February 2025, deliver the State of the Province Address (SOPA) in Bloemfontein, where she is expected amongst others, to touch on the economic performance of the province.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Free State says it expects the Premier to address the crippling issue of corruption in the province that is eating away the economic potential of the province.
The Provincial Leader and Member of Legislature Dr Roy Jankielsohn says, the Free State has the potential to be a thriving, investor-friendly province, but corruption and poor governance continue to cripple growth. Its wealth of resources and strategic location should benefit residents, yet mismanagement prevents economic progress and job creation.
He mentioned that:
- The Premier’s 2025 State of the Province Address (SOPA) must go beyond empty promises and address the key challenges blocking investment and service delivery:
- Corruption and mismanagement in road contracts.
- A shocking 40% learner dropout rate between grades 10 and 12.
- Deteriorating healthcare facilities and services.
- Dysfunctional municipalities failing to deliver basic services – now deemed human rights violations by the SAHRC.
- Rising crime, especially cross-border crime, devastating the agricultural sector.
“Residents suffer daily from collapsing infrastructure, job losses, and poor services. The Premier must take responsibility and implement real, practical reforms to halt the decline and rebuild the province.
The DA will scrutinise the SOPA and measure it against our Ready to Govern Plan for the Free State—a blueprint for real change and accountable governance,” said Dr Roy Jankielsohn.
