THE Free State continues to lead the nation in education, with Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae reaffirming the province’s commitment to academic excellence and infrastructure development in her State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Friday.
“Provision of quality education remains one of our top priorities. Education eliminates poverty, unlocks potential and improves the quality of life,” she said, highlighting the transformative power of education.
The Free State has once again emerged as South Africa’s top-performing province in the National Senior Certificate examinations, with the Grade 12 Class of 2024 achieving a record-breaking 91 percent pass rate – an improvement from 89 percent in 2023.
“We are unstoppable,” Letsoha-Mathae declared, celebrating the province’s sustained success since 2019.
The premier also highlighted the province’s dominance at the district level, noting that four Free State districts ranked among the top 10 in the country, with Fezile Dabi securing second place nationally.
Expressing gratitude for the efforts of all involved, she said: “All of this would not have been possible without the support, dedication and hard work by learners, educators, parents, SGBs and unions. Words alone cannot express how grateful we are. Re ya leboha!”
Beyond academic success, Letsoha-Mathae outlined major investments in early childhood education, with R335.8 million allocated for the 2025/26 financial year.
This budget will support quality early learning programmes for over 75 000 children, provide nutritious meals, pay stipends for early childhood development (ECD) practitioners and improve ECD centres.
“Fifty-eight ECD centres across the province have been renovated and maintained,” she said, adding that a new low-cost ECD centre in Botshabelo is under construction and will open soon.
The premier also emphasised the government’s commitment to education infrastructure, announcing the construction of several schools across the province.
These include Matlafalang Primary School and Bergman Primary School in Motheo, Trompsburg Special School in Xhariep, Malebogo Primary School in Lejweleputswa, Morena Tshohisi Primary School in Thabo Mofutsanyana, Father Balink Primary School in Fezile Dabi and Tsebo Ulwazi Secondary School in Fezile Dabi.
Additionally, older schools such as Dr Blok, Olympia and Western Holdings are being rebuilt to replace inappropriate materials.
Looking ahead, Letsoha-Mathae confirmed that seven new schools will break ground in the upcoming financial year, including Welkom Primary School and Kgotso Taole Technical School.
The province is also expanding specialised learning facilities, with hostels under construction at Boitumelong Special School and Dr Blok School in Mangaung, while work on a hostel at Trompsburg Special School is set to begin soon.
With these initiatives, the Free State government aims to ensure that quality education remains accessible to all, strengthening the foundation for future generations. – Staff Reporter