The Free State Legislature is gearing up for the Opening of the Legislature (OL) for the 7th administration, with preparations well underway.

The event, scheduled for Thursday (7/8) will be held in the Bloemfontein City Hall and will mark the maiden address by newly elected Premier MaQueen Letsoha Mathae.

The Secretary for Free State Legislature Joseph Machaka confirmed that the preparations are proceeding smoothly and assured the media at a briefing on Friday (2/8) it’s “all systems go” for the upcoming ceremony. The previous opening of the legislature, held earlier this year in Qwaqwa, cost approximately R5-million. Machaka said R2,5-million has been budgeted for the upcoming OL.

The ceremony will see a reduced attendance compared to the previous event, with 600 guests expected to attend. This is down from the more than 1,000 attendees in Qwaqwa. Machaka said the legislature is working with a tight budget especially as its budget vote has yet to be passed.

He outlined that guest accreditation will be strictly controlled and non-transferable, with categories including international guests, provincial speakers, business representatives, MPLs, executive mayors, municipal speakers, church leaders, people with disabilities, youth representatives, traditional leadership, political party representatives, the directors-general, heads of departments, public entities, and the media.

To ensure security and smooth operation, more than 400 Free State officials, including police, traffic officers, and emergency medical services teams, will be stationed in and around the venue. 

‘Mathae’s speech is anticipated to address pressing issues’

Cars will be searched at the Legislature headquarters, Fourth Raadsaal in Bloemfontein, with parking arrangements at the Macufe Arts Exhibition.

The OL will provide Mathae with an opportunity to outline her administration’s priorities for the year ahead. Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent Opening of Parliament Address, Mathae’s speech is anticipated to address pressing issues such as high unemployment rates, the poor state of municipalities, and strategies to combat irregular and fruitless expenditure.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh