By Libuseng Nyaka
FICKSBURG -Premier of Free State MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae used he welcome address at the heritage celebration themed celebration of hero and heroines in Meqheleng to highlight tourism and heritage that the area has and if refurbished can be economy spin off for residents.
“Ficksburg is the closed down 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 cherish 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 was also there as the main speaker would invest in tourism with the view of creating jobs for the people.
“You Can 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 said outlined opportunity aligned with heritage and culture.
“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.
FS Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae and deputy president Paul Mashatile st heritage day celebration in Ficksburg.
Our heritage sites , there so many people from other countries who want to see them . When they come to see our areas, we can make we create employment. These heritage sites should be seen as well 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.
