PREMIER MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae has committed to working closely with local businesses and Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) to drive economic growth in the Free State.
Delivering her inaugural State of the Province Address in Bloemfontein on Friday, she pledged to transform the province’s economic landscape by prioritising Free State-based businesses in government procurement.
“We will engage the Free State business community to explore how they can meaningfully participate in the economic development of the province,” Letsoha-Mathae said.
The premier emphasised that the provincial government’s commitment to SMME development remains unwavering, recognising small businesses as the foundation of inclusive growth and job creation.
“Through our partnership with the National Youth Development Agency, 32 businesses owned by young people received financial support,” she revealed.
Additionally, Letsoha-Mathae highlighted the success of ongoing collaborations, including one with Coca-Cola Beverages, which has led to the refurbishment of 14 spaza shops in Qwaqwa and 26 in Mangaung.
“We will implement more programmes to increase access to finance and opportunities for mainly women, youth, persons with disabilities and businesses owned by military veterans,” she said.
“We are not apologetic about this.”
In a bid to foster entrepreneurship and digital innovation, the premier noted that the Botshabelo Digital Hub received financial support to continue equipping young people with essential business and digital skills.
“The Basic Coding skills offered enable entrepreneurs to develop programmes, software applications and websites to enhance efficiency,” she said.
Beyond funding and digital support, extensive training initiatives have been undertaken to bolster small business capabilities.
According to Letsoha-Mathae, 1 196 entrepreneurs have been trained in various fields, including bakery, agriculture, construction, business compliance, business skills and vehicle maintenance.
These efforts were carried out in partnership with the Central University of Technology, Small Enterprise Development Agency, the Department of Small Business Development and MERSETA.
Alongside these interventions, 131 enterprises have been assisted with market access opportunities, ensuring they can compete effectively in broader markets.
“The next financial year will be no different,” Letsoha-Mathae assured.
“We will drive inclusive growth and job creation to set the province on a daring developmental path.”
Looking ahead, the Free State government intends to expand the number of competitive small businesses, with a distinct focus on township and rural economies.
This will be supported by localisation and industrialisation efforts through strategic procurement. – Staff Reporter