THE Free State is opening its doors to investors with a landmark Public Property Investment Summit set for 27 November in Bloemfontein – an ambitious initiative aimed at transforming dormant state-owned properties into engines of economic growth and job creation.
Held under the theme “A Free State That Works for All: Unlocking State Assets for Inclusive Growth”, the summit is a flagship initiative of the provincial government to reposition state properties as drivers of development rather than financial burdens.
Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae said the summit sends a clear signal that the province is ready to welcome investors and forge sustainable partnerships.
“This summit is a definite signal that the Free State is open for business,” she said.
“We are not merely disposing of assets, but we are building lasting partnerships to transform dormant properties into dynamic hubs for economic activity, job creation and improved service delivery for our people.”
The MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Dibolelo Mance, added that the province is reshaping its role in the property sector.
“We are moving beyond being passive landlords to becoming active investment partners,” she said.
“Our message to investors is clear: bring your capital and expertise and we will offer prime assets, a de-risked framework through our PPP models and a committed partnership.
“This is not an auction – it is a call to co-create a province that works for all.”
According to a statement from the provincial government, the summit will outline government plans to convert idle buildings and neglected sites into assets that stimulate inclusive economic growth.
This includes, it says, addressing crime, urban decay and unsafe environments by rehabilitating abandoned properties and turning them into productive, community-oriented spaces.
A major feature of the event will be the presentation of a transparent and diverse portfolio of state-owned properties available for investment.
Opportunities will be open to both major corporations and small enterprises, with a strong focus on Black Economic Empowerment and broadening economic participation.
The summit will also showcase modern Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models – such as Build-Operate-Transfer frameworks – designed to reduce financial risk for investors while ensuring long-term value for the province.
Officials say these models will deliver budget certainty for the state and measurable returns for private partners.
Complementing this approach, the Free State will unveil the Development Simulator, an interactive tool that allows potential investors to assess the financial and developmental potential of strategic properties.
The simulator reflects the government’s commitment to transparent, technology-driven investment facilitation.