The event at the University of Free State’s Centenary Complex on Friday (27/3), themed A Year of Decisive Action, will focus on strengthen intergovernmental relations and advancing the province’s plan to restore local government structures and boost the regional economy.

Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae said the visit would serve as a platform to showcase the province’s progress in the renewable energy sector, which tracks investments exceeding R100bn. Projects, including the Khauta Solar Project and the Mulilo Battery Energy Storage Project, are intended to support the national power grid while creating local employment.

Government focus on economic growth and local recovery

The government intends to brief Ramaphosa on various economic initiatives, such as the revitalisation of the Maluti-a-Phofung Special Economic Zone and development corridors in the Karoo and Mangaung areas.

According to Letsoha-Mathae, the province has surpassed its targets for the Expanded Public Works Programme by creating 46,000 work opportunities, while also providing financial and compliance support to over 600 small enterprises and 56 spaza shops.

Part of the meeting will address the status of municipalities, where the provincial executive has intervened to manage administrative failures.

The discussions will centre on the implementation of recovery plans, the improvement of audit outcomes, and the acceleration of infrastructure projects designed to restore basic service delivery to residents. Photo: Free State Provincial Government

Opposition skeptic over implementation

While she mentioned successes, opposition leaders have previously raised concerns following the state of the province address on 20 March 2026.

Critics argued many of the projects discussed remain unimplemented, noting that residents continue to face challenges regarding infrastructure decay and a lack of basic services.

EFF MPL Coach Mapheule Liphoko said the provincial leadership lacks a clear economic drive, specifically criticising the heavy reliance on tourism as a primary economic pillar.

DA leader Dr Roy Jankielsohn expressed concern regarding the slow completion of municipal projects, suggesting that the appointment of incompetent contractors has led to wasteful expenditure and the need for repeated funding for the same tasks.

Challenges in employment and social support

While national jobless figures saw a slight decline, the Free State recorded an increase in its unemployment rate. The opposition also highlighted that approximately 1.5-million people in the province, which is half of the total population, are currently dependent on social grants.

With only an estimated 200,000 taxpayers in the Free State, they argue the current economic model as unsustainable without drastic shifts toward private-sector job creation and improved fiscal management.

OFM News/Refilwe Bekane cvdw

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