By Libuseng Nyaka
FICKSBURG -Premier of Free State MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae used her welcome address at the heritage themed celebration of hero and heroines in Meqheleng to highlight tourism and heritage that the area has and if refurbished can be an economy spin off for residents.
“Ficksburg is the closest town to the Lesotho border, it is the head office of Setsoto local municipality in Thabo Mofutsanyana district. It is not only a busy trading town, but it is well known for its game farms, it is where cherries and asparagus are found. We have nice parks and every year we hold Cherry festival. The town itself is the largest producer of cherry in the country even in Africa, known for livestock production. Ficksburg has magnificent fine Maluti mountains.”
With the brief economic and heritage profile of Setsoto local municipality Letsoha-Mathae said expectation is that deputy President of South Africa Paul Mashatile who was also there as the main speaker would invest in tourism with the view of creating jobs for the people.
“You cannot leave here deputy president without telling us what you are going to do to empower this area and boost economic spin off which will create jobs. We have knowledge and skills as Basotho living in this area.”
In his keynote address at the celebration of Heritage Day in Ficksburg deputy president Paul Mashatile outlined opportunities aligned with heritage and culture.
FS Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae and deputy president Paul Mashatile st heritage day celebration in Ficksburg.
“As we celebrate heritage month which coincides with tourism month, we should use this opportunity to showcase to the nation the significance of our heritage sides across the country. Also, as tourists destination of choice that has potential to contribute to socio economic development, promote people to people relations and enhance social cohesion.
For our heritage sites, there are so many people from other countries who want to see them. When they come to see our areas, we can create employment. These heritage sites should be seen as contributors to job creation.
Free State Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation Ntombizanele Sifuba and Minister of Sports, Arts and Recreation Gayton Mckenzie co-directed the programme.
