The event, which took place on Friday (20/2) at the Old Greys Sports Centre in Bloemfontein, saw some opposition leaders criticising the provincial government for failing to provide a clear economic drive.

These leaders argued the address ignored the fundamental challenges faced by residents, such as unemployment, infrastructure decay, and the lack of basic services.

EFF MPL Coach Mapheule Liphoko said the opposition was taken aback by the speech. He argued premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae has no idea for an economic drive and criticised the decision to base economic ideas on tourism.

Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae speaking at the Sopa. Photo: Free State Provincial Government 

Liphoko dismissed the premier’s praise for the expanded public works programme, calling the reliance on temporary projects a failure.

“That’s nonsense, and if somebody does not tell the premier, as a home girl, that you are speaking nonsense, the economy cannot be driven by the EPWP projects, that does not work.” 

The people of the Free State require permanent jobs that improve their lives rather than contractual positions that eventually end. This critique further labeled the government as stagnant and accused the administration of focusing on a hollow victory by celebrating only three clean audits. 

A crisis in provincial infrastructure and healthcare was also highlighted, with Pelonomi Hospital cited as a primary example of ongoing deterioration. In this assessment, facility improvement contracts are frequently left unfinished or unpaid, creating a situation so dire residents in areas like Bothaville are forced to travel to North West just to access adequate medical care. 

Political loyalty

Beyond service delivery, serious concerns were raised regarding the appointment of officials within the premier’s office and the department of health. The argument suggests professional qualifications are being sidelined in favor of political loyalty, ultimately prioritising patronage over competence.

Honorable Molefi Johannes Foko, representing Umkhonto Wesizwe in the provincial legislature, shared this disappointment. Foko stated the premier failed to address the corruption taking place in the province.

He said the speech did not provide solutions for the ongoing water and electricity problems, which are basic constitutional rights. Foko also expressed concern over the state of education, saying many schools are currently dilapidated and lack access to water. Both parties concluded the current administration is not meeting the needs of the Free State public.

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OFM News/Refilwe Bekane dg