By The Free State Province Premier Hon. MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae has during the State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Thursday, 8 August 2024, committed to doing things differently by ensuring service delivery to the people and clean the image of the ANC.
Though the African National Congress (ANC) won the province during the May 2024, provincial and national elections, the result from the Electoral Commission (IEC) show that the ruling party is losing votes every election, an indication that people are gradually losing confidence in the ANC.
Letsoha-Mathae says it is one of her priorities to regain the confidence of the people. She said though the elections may be over, but campaigning is not over for her party.
“The elections may be over, but the campaign is not over! The campaign to regain the trust of our people and restore the glory of the ANC.
The campaign to deliver services to our communities has just begun. We reaffirm our commitment to prioritise the collective needs and interests of the people, and give practical meaning to their hopes and aspirations. Through their vote, the people have directed us to do things differently. They want a more responsive and accountable government that works,” said Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae.
During the seventh administration, the Premier is intent on re-positioning the Free State into an attractive investment destination of choice. She said given the party’s experience in government for the past 30 years, there is no room for failure; she said they know what works and what doesn’t work, and what needs to be done.
“We will address unemployment, reignite economic growth, eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. These goals go beyond mere intentions; they reflect our unwavering commitment to create a better life for all,” said Letsoha- Mathae.
MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae said the gravy train for tender-preneurs has come to an end, gone are the days whereby government will pay for services not rendered. The Premier vowed to go after all those who were paid for a job but there is nothing to show for it. All who received payment but did no work must pay back the money.
The Premier further highlighted that the province will be turned into a construction site, as a number of roads will be under construction, as it is vital to the economy of the province and to the industries within the province.
“To date, we have transferred 568.75 km of roads to SANRAL for improvements. These include R26 from Ladybrand to Bethlehem; R34 from the north-western part of the Free State border to the KwaZuluNatal border; and R74 linking Harrismith to the Kwazulu-Natal border.
We will cede additional roads to SANRAL for repairs and maintenance. On completion, these road projects will bolster economic growth, facilitate access to essential services, and enhance interprovincial connectivity,” said the Premier.
