With these words, the provincial government signalled a shift toward repositioning the economy to unlock inclusive growth and sustainable employment. President Cyril Ramaphosa and members of the cabinet met with Letsoha-Mathae and the Free State executive council on Friday (27/3), at the University of the Free State’s Centenary Complex.

According to the Free State provincial government, this plan follows provincial data showing that the Free State exceeded work opportunity targets, reaching 46,000 beneficiaries through the expanded public works programme (EPWP) in the previous financial year.

The province also reported progress in managing HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis services, alongside a reduction in crime rates. National and provincial leaders said the District Development Model (DDM) will guide the One Plan to coordinate these health and safety efforts.

Ramaphosa said the two levels of government will share best practices to build an ethical and developmental state.

“The purpose of this engagement is to see how we can work smarter and in a much more integrative manner to drive inclusive growth and job creation, to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living and build a capable, ethical and developmental state.” 

Letsoha-Mathae identified several sectors for future job creation to address youth unemployment. The provincial government is moving resources toward artificial intelligence, robotics, and renewable energy. 

There is also a focus on green hydrogen and natural gas development to expand the energy sector and provide sustainable employment.

The province aims to also prioritise the digital economy, e-commerce, and support for small enterprises. These sectors are intended to work alongside the existing agro-processing and food production industries to stabilise the regional economy.

Free State executive council and members of the cabinet. Photo: Free State provincial government

The engagement established an additional channel of communication between the national and provincial governments beyond existing frameworks. This channel functions alongside the presidential coordinating council and meetings between national ministers and provincial MECs.

The national government states it will monitor these provincial shifts to ensure they align with broader development goals. This includes the use of technology to improve service delivery and the creation of sustainable employment through entrepreneurship.

“I would say, we should not be shy, we should not hold back, we should raise those issues that are cogent and important to be addressed by the national government. 

“This engagement is really opening an additional channel of communication beyond what already exists within the intergovernmental relations space,” said Ramphosa

OFM News/Refilwe Bekane dg

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