Letsoha-Mathae
By Thabo Mosia
Bloemfontein – 12 February 2025 – Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae is set to deliver her inaugural State of the Province Address (SOPA) on 21 February 2025, where she will outline the government’s priorities, strategies, and key policy directions for the year ahead.
The Executive Council (Exco) meeting held on 5 February 2025 confirmed this significant event, with Premier Letsoha-Mathae expected to address critical issues facing the province, including municipal governance, economic development, climate change, and energy security.
The Office of the Premier’s Spokesperson, Matshediso Setai, officially announced the date and urged stakeholders to engage with the provincial agenda as the Free State moves towards enhancing governance, service delivery, and economic sustainability.
Premier Letsoha-Mathae’s Leadership and Background
Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, a respected leader with a strong background in public administration, governance, and community development, assumed office following the 2024 general elections.
Born in 1969 in Tweespruit, Eastern Free State, she has been a key figure in provincial politics, previously serving as an MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA). Her leadership has been marked by a commitment to transparency, service delivery, and improving governance structures in the Free State.
Her first State of the Province Address will set the foundation for her administration, providing policy direction and addressing key governance issues in the province.
Key Issues Expected to Feature in the 2025 SOPA
The upcoming State of the Province Address (SOPA) 2025 is expected to focus on six main areas:
- Interventions in Free State Municipalities
Matjhabeng Local Municipality (Section 139 Intervention)
• Exco has appointed a team of skilled professionals to implement the Financial Recovery Plan in Matjhabeng Local Municipality.
• The team consists of Ms. A. Buthelezi, Mr. K. Rapulane, and Mr. T. Ramokhoase, with additional support from the Provincial Treasury.
• They will furnish Exco and the Municipal Councils with monthly updates on progress and challenges.
Kopanong Local Municipality (Section 139(1)(b) Intervention)
• Exco has reinforced the intervention team in Kopanong Local Municipality to improve its ability to deliver basic services.
• Mr. Mopeli Mohale has been appointed to strengthen the intervention team.
• The effectiveness of these interventions will be continuously assessed, and corrective actions will be taken where necessary.
The Premier’s address will likely expand on these interventions, detailing strategies to ensure effective governance and financial stability in struggling municipalities.
- The Free State One Million Trees Programme
• Exco has approved the launch of the One Million Trees Programme, a provincial initiative aimed at:
✔ Mitigating climate change and environmental degradation.
✔ Improving air quality and promoting biodiversity.
✔ Enhancing green spaces in both urban and rural areas.
• The lead department will be the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environmental Affairs, supported by COGTA.
• The private sector, NGOs, and municipalities will be key partners in implementing this initiative.
Premier Letsoha-Mathae is expected to provide further details on how the government plans to roll out this ambitious project.
- Energy Security and the Virginia Solar Project
• The Virginia Solar Project, developed by Red Rockets South Africa, is a major renewable energy initiative in the Free State.
• This project will:
✔ Create job opportunities for local communities, especially women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
✔ Support agricultural economic growth through a partnership with the Department of Agriculture.
✔ Ensure environmental protection through mitigation measures during construction.
The Premier is expected to elaborate on Free State’s commitment to energy security, renewable energy projects, and reducing reliance on Eskom.
- Implementation of the 2024 Local Government Summit Resolutions
• The 2024 Local Government Summit, held last year, produced key resolutions aimed at:
✔ Addressing poor municipal audits and financial mismanagement.
✔ Improving revenue collection and billing systems.
✔ Enhancing overall service delivery in municipalities.
• The Governance, State Capacity, and Institutional Development Cluster (GSCID) is currently reviewing these resolutions before sending them to municipalities for adoption.
The Premier is expected to outline how the government plans to ensure compliance and implementation of these resolutions.
- Provincial Budget and Economic Priorities
• Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environmental Affairs MEC Elzabe Rockman has been appointed to the Provincial Budget Committee.
• Exco has pledged full support for the conclusion of the 2024/2025 budget process, which will define financial allocations for key government projects.
Key budget priorities expected in SOPA include:
✔ Infrastructure development projects.
✔ Education and skills development funding.
✔ Healthcare system improvements.
✔ Support for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Premier Letsoha-Mathae is likely to highlight budgetary allocations and economic strategies aimed at stimulating growth and job creation in the province.
- State of Public Healthcare in the Free State
• The Free State Provincial Government recently launched the Fezile Dabi District Health Council to strengthen healthcare governance and oversight.
• SOPA may shed light on provincial healthcare investments, including:
✔ Infrastructure improvements in hospitals and clinics.
✔ Recruitment of more healthcare professionals.
✔ Supply chain improvements for medicines and equipment.
✔ Strengthening partnerships with private healthcare providers.
The Premier’s focus on healthcare is expected to outline strategies to improve healthcare service delivery across the province.
Public Expectations and Reactions Ahead of SOPA 2025
The Premier’s first SOPA is expected to provide a comprehensive roadmap for Free State’s governance and development.
Community leaders, business stakeholders, and civil society organisations have highlighted several expectations, including:
• Clear plans for job creation and economic recovery.
• Accountability measures for underperforming municipalities.
• Commitments to infrastructure development in key sectors like transport, energy, and housing.
• More investment in youth skills development and education.
• Stronger measures to combat corruption and improve governance.
The Free State Provincial Government Communication Services has assured the public that the SOPA will reflect the most pressing concerns and priorities of residents.
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