Education MEC Maboya
By Thabo Mosia
Free State MEC for Education, Dr. Mamiki Maboya, has expressed strong support for Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae’s 2025 State of the Province Address (SOPA), delivered today at Lemo Mall Green Park in Bloemfontein. The Premier’s address focused on economic growth and job creation, outlining strategic initiatives to revitalize the province’s economy.
In an interview following the address, Dr. Maboya stated, “I think the Premier was on point; she covered a number of very important issues.” She highlighted the Premier’s emphasis on three government priorities: job creation and inclusive growth, alleviating poverty and tackling the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.
Emphasis on Education
Dr. Maboya expressed particular satisfaction with the attention given to education in the Premier’s speech. She noted the focus on the massification of Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Adult Learning Systems (ALS), aligning with the sector’s priorities. The Premier also acknowledged the province’s performance at the matriculation level, reflecting a commitment to improving the quality of education in the Free State.
Infrastructure development was another key area addressed. Dr. Maboya mentioned ongoing and upcoming projects aimed at enhancing educational facilities, which are expected to create a conducive learning environment and support the overall educational objectives of the province.
Commitment to Ethical Governance
The Premier’s focus on building a capable, ethical, and developmental state resonated with Dr. Maboya. She emphasized the importance of maintaining ethical standards and developing the necessary skills to meet economic demands. This approach is seen as vital for fostering public trust and ensuring effective service delivery.
Upcoming Budget Speech
Looking ahead, Dr. Maboya announced that her department’s budget speech will delve deeper into the issues highlighted by the Premier. The budget will cover a broad spectrum, including collaboration on e-learning and the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education. Infrastructure development and the Skills Revolution program will also be focal points, with plans to expand schools of specialization and technical high schools.
“Following this State of the Province Address, it will then be our budget votes,” Dr. Maboya explained. “We’ll get deeper into some of the things that the Premier has touched on.”
Reactions from Other Stakeholders
The Premier’s address garnered reactions from various political figures and organizations.
Phillip Kganyago, Provincial Spokesperson for the South African Communist Party (SACP), praised the Premier’s initiatives targeting unemployment and poverty. He highlighted the focus on reindustrialization as a means to boost the province’s productive sector and contribute more robustly to the economy.
“We think those initiatives will go a long way in ensuring that particularly the working-class families and the poor are taken care of by a caring government,” Kganyago stated.
Dikgang Parker, Deputy Chairperson of the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) in the Free State, described the address as a progressive blueprint for youth development and economic inclusion. He expressed optimism about the Premier’s commitment to opening bursary opportunities and addressing skill development, which are expected to benefit the youth significantly.
“We are quite happy and impressed with the State of the Province Address today because it’s giving hope to young people,” Parker remarked.
However, not all feedback was positive. Dr. Roy Jankielsohn, Leader of the Official Opposition in the Free State Legislature from the Democratic Alliance (DA), expressed disappointment, criticizing the address for lacking concrete solutions to systemic issues such as corruption, infrastructure decay, and financial mismanagement.
“Rather than offering real solutions to the deep systemic issues that continue to plague our province, the Premier resorted to the same tired narrative of hope and optimism, devoid of concrete action,” Dr. Jankielsohn commented.
Premier’s Vision for Economic Growth and Job Creation
In her address, Premier Letsoha-Mathae outlined a comprehensive plan aimed at revitalizing the Free State’s economy and creating sustainable employment opportunities. She emphasized the province’s commitment to inclusive growth, detailing strategic initiatives across various sectors to address pressing challenges and harness emerging opportunities.
Key priorities included infrastructure investment, small business development, job creation, education, healthcare improvements, crime prevention, and environmental sustainability.
Economic Revival and Job Creation
The Premier unveiled a bold strategy to stimulate economic growth and address unemployment, which remains a significant challenge in the Free State. The government has committed to creating over 30,115 jobs in the upcoming fiscal year, targeting sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and renewable energy to drive sustainable development.
“Our goal is to foster an environment where businesses can thrive and our youth can find meaningful employment,” she stated. “By investing in key industries and supporting small enterprises, we are paving the way for a prosperous Free State.”
Investments in Special Economic Zones
A major focus of the address was the investment in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), particularly the Maluti-a-Phofung SEZ, which has secured R3.26 billion in investment value from 16 new investors. These investments are expected to generate over 1,243 employment opportunities during the 2025/2026 period.
The Premier also announced plans to upgrade the SEZ by increasing power supply, enhancing security, refurbishing factories, and improving road networks to attract further investment. These efforts are expected to solidify the Free State’s reputation as a prime location for business and trade.
Public Employment and Skills Development
Through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Phase 5, the Free State government has already created 19,792 job opportunities in the current financial year, with further commitments to expanding employment programs. The province has also invested in skills development initiatives, particularly in technology and business training, to prepare young people for a rapidly changing job market.
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