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The relatively young institution tasked with regulating the influx of liquor outlets in communities, the Free State Gambling, Liquor and Tourism Authority (FSGLTA) will undergo restructuring to help it effectively carry out its mandate.
FSGLTA presented itself to the Free State Executive Committee led by the Free State Premier Ms MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae as its Chairperson on 23 July 2025, where the entity told the EXCO that it is facing challenges in its operations, which were persistent over the eight years of its existence.
FSGLTA is responsible for the regulation of gambling and liquor licenses, and tourism in the Free State.
According to the Spokesperson for the Premier’s Office, Ms Matshidiso Setai, following the presentation by FSGLTA, EXCO evaluated the report and made a decision to reconfigure the entity. EXCO outlined the measures to be put in place to streamline the processes of the entity to enable it to be more efficient and effective.
“A team will be established to review the composition of the entity and make recommendations on policies governing the issuing of liquor and gambling licenses in the province. Other issues to be dealt with by the team include the budget, contract management, liquor applications backlog and adjudication as well as the Phakisa Raceway maintenance and sustainability.
The entity was tasked to address the influx of liquor outlets in communities which seem to exacerbate social ills such as domestic violence, alcoholism and crime. EXCO cautioned that neglecting to enforce the liquor license regulations such as zoning, proximity restrictions and premise suitability would reverse the efforts of creating safer communities,” explained Setai.
EXCO has further put measures in place to revive the entertainment and tourist attraction motor sport facility Phakisa Raceway. Setai says EXCO will engage stakeholders in order to get the place vibrant again.
“With regard to Phakisa Raceway, a facility under the control of FSGLTA, EXCO resolved to engage the relevant stakeholders such as Matjhabeng municipality to address its challenges. Motorsport South Africa has temporarily revoked Phakisa racing license due to the state of the facility which does not comply with the required safety standards.
The raceway is one of the few oval speedways in Africa and it offers facilities such as conference, media and medical centre as well as the suites. The refurbishment of the facility is needed for economic development and creation of jobs,” said Matshidiso Setai.
Setai said further engagements with all the stakeholders to improve the functioning of FSGLTA and other entities in the province is underway and EXCO welcomes inputs from the citizens of the Free State province in building the Free State that belongs to all.
