Premier lays out economic revival plan

By Emily Setona

BLOEMFONTEIN – The Premier of the Free State, Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, has admitted that there is sluggish economic growth and that investors are reluctant to invest in places like Maluti-a-Phofung.

Letsoha-Mathae, however, reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to rehabilitating the municipality and improving service delivery.

Letsoha-Mathae addressed the media immediately after her State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Friday, February 21, 2025, in Bloemfontein.

“Indeed, what we have realized about the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is that most of the factories are dilapidated. Hence, in my speech, I indicated the appointment of a new board for the FDC. People have applied as we have advertised it, but I have indicated that this time around, we need people with skills—people who will attract investors. You are correct to say that with the FDC, perhaps we were not doing enough, but not absolutely nothing in that space.

“The reason we called Dr. Ramokgopa is because of the issue of electricity, which also affects the local municipality of Maluti-a-Phofung. Maluti-a-Phofung has issues with electricity and water, and there is no way that you can have investors where there is no water and electricity. Infrastructure maintenance, improving water and electricity supply, and ensuring that financial management is strengthened are among our key priorities,” the Premier stated.

She said recent interventions in Maluti-a-Phofung have included refurbishing its electricity network, addressing billing inefficiencies, and enhancing waste management services.

The provincial government has also committed to supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs in the municipality through targeted economic development initiatives.

Maluti-a-Phofung (MAP) Local Municipality remains a key focus area for economic revival, having faced severe governance and financial challenges in recent years.

“When you raised the issue of Maluti-a-Phofung in terms of roads, it is not true because when I was MEC, we handed over 17 roads, and I could not repeat what I said in my previous speech. I said this speech must be about progress made so that we do not repeat the same thing over and over again.

“You are saying people are getting tired of speeches, but in Maluti-a-Phofung, including the Harrismith SEZ, we handed over a road in 2023, so there is a lot of movement in terms of road construction in Maluti-a-Phofung. In Ward 17, work is taking place, and as you all know, once you have roads, the economy will definitely grow.”

Regarding interventions, Letsoha-Mathae disclosed a partnership with SANRAL.

“SANRAL is in the province to assist with projects like the one worth R1.9 billion; another one from Trompsburg to Koffiefontein is also worth more than a billion.”

She, however, admitted to challenges regarding electricity and water.