FREE State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae on Wednesday came out all guns blazing in defence of her recent State of the Province Address (SOPA), criticising opposition parties for lacking constructive input and reaffirming her administration’s commitment to economic transformation, ethical governance and youth empowerment.
“Members of the opposition have failed to utilise this opportunity to provide constructive analysis, input and criticism,” she told the provincial legislature.
“Instead, they resorted to grandstanding political rhetoric.”
Reaffirming the ANCs dedication to the National Democratic Revolution (NDR), Letsoha-Mathae emphasised the goal of establishing a “non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa”.
She highlighted initiatives targeting job creation, local economic development and support for small businesses as central to this vision.
Addressing concerns about municipal governance, Letsoha-Mathae acknowledged existing challenges but emphasised proactive measures to enhance governance and strengthen municipal operations.
She cited the implementation of recommendations from the Auditor General and stressed the importance of municipalities in service delivery.
“We have boldly embarked on key initiatives aimed at improving governance while strengthening municipal operations through a variety of interventions,” she said.
The Premier also highlighted the province’s efforts to combat poverty amid global economic pressures, reiterating commitments to job creation, industrial growth and building an inclusive economy.
“We are however not folding our arms but took deliberate policy position . . . that we will put South Africa to work, build our industries to achieve an inclusive economy, tackle the high cost of living, invest in people and defend the gains of democracy and freedom,” she stated.
Emphasising the importance of youth in the province’s future, Letsoha-Mathae pledged to collaborate with youth structures to provide opportunities and harness their potential.
She echoed the sentiments of former ANC president-general Oliver Tambo, stating: “The children of any nation are its future.”
Letsoha-Mathae also reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to professionalising the public service, ensuring that appointments align with job requirements to build a capable, ethical and developmental state.
“We are going to professionalise and regularise the public service in our path to build a capable, ethical and developmental state,” she said. – Staff Reporter