The spokesperson for the Free State Premier, Palesa Chubisi, says that the donation was made on Friday by Haval Motors South Africa. General Manager, Kevin Lee, in addition to the donation, said that they are considering investing in the province. 

On top of their agenda is said to be a battery manufacturing plant, and after discussions have been completed with the government, work would commence on setting up the plant.

This is as the provincial government will shift its focus to agriculture, mining and information and communication technology in 2023.

ALSO READ: Houses, cars swept away by strong stream of water in Free State town | WATCH

The Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, Zhongdong Tang and the Director General of the provincial government, Kopung Ralikontsane, attended the meeting with Haval Motors. Premier Sisi Ntombela took the opportunity to inform the Chinese contingent about Obakeng Thetele, a young man from Mangaung who built his own car in 2022. 

In response, Lee promised that he would invite Thetele to their head office and also to their plant in China. 

“The unemployment levels dropped slightly from 35% to 32% in our province. We realise that we still have mountainous work ahead if we are to completely free our people from the chains of unemployment. 

"However, I am certain that these measures will ultimately bring us what we require, which is the eradication of unemployment in our province,” said Ntombela.

ALSO READ: Free State premier weighs in on JDP

The community of Jagersfontein woke up to houses and cars being swept away by a stream of water and mud after the mine dam burst in the early morning of 11 September 2022. 

At the time, the municipality's spokesperson, Solomzi Phama, said over 30 houses may be affected, with a portion of the township also affected. At least three people went missing following the disaster. 

The Free State Emergency Medical Services (EMS) spokesperson, Sipho Towa, confirmed to OFM News when the incident occurred, that they recovered the body of a man from the town. 

According to the mine's spokesperson, Leigh-Ann Carey, money was made available. "JDP is cooperating with the law enforcement authorities and will offer every assistance to the community while undertaking a full investigation. 

"We have confirmation that the waste water is not hazardous. Jagersfontein Development remains committed to the well-being of the community and will lead clean-up operations," Carey added.

OFM News