MEC Toto Makume
By Mpho Moloi
MEC for Finance and Economic Development, Ketso Toto Makume, has assured Free State residents that the provincial government is ready to implement the commitments outlined in Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae’s 2025 State of the Province Address (SOPA).
The Premier delivered her address today at Lemo Mall Green Park in Bloemfontein, focusing on economic growth, job creation, and service delivery improvements.
Speaking after the address, MEC Makume emphasized that the speech serves as a directive for all departments and municipalities to ensure that the Premier’s commitments translate into tangible programs that will uplift the Free State economy and improve people’s lives.
MEC Toto Makume: Transforming Words into Action
MEC Ketso Toto Makume highlighted the importance of turning the SOPA 2025 commitments into action and assured Free State residents that his department is prepared to implement key financial and economic programs outlined by the Premier.
“The people are expecting us, as various departments, to look into the speech and then turn it into actions—into our programs and plans. The Premier issued a statement, which to us as MECs is an instruction. So, we are expected to work very hard to ensure that we implement everything that has been said,” Makume stated.
He highlighted three key economic interventions:
1. Regulating business licensing: The Free State government will crack down on businesses operating with irregular and unlawful licenses. Makume noted that many businesses do not pay dues to the government, depriving the province of much-needed revenue.
2. Supporting small businesses: The Premier committed to creating more opportunities for small businesses in government procurement to stimulate economic growth and job creation.
3. Municipal financial recovery: Treasury will ensure that financially struggling municipalities have recovery plans to enhance service delivery, including water supply improvements.
Ngwathe Municipality’s Reaction to SOPA 2025
Ngwathe Local Municipality Executive Mayor Victoria De Beers-Mthombeni praised Premier Letsoha-Mathae for addressing municipal challenges in the State of the Province Address.
The Mayor particularly welcomed the Premier’s focus on education and municipal support, citing the near-completion of a new school in Parys as an example of the government’s commitment to improving educational facilities.
She also acknowledged the Premier’s promise to assist municipalities in addressing water shortages, a persistent issue in Ngwathe Municipality.
“Ngwathe Municipality has faced serious water supply issues, but I can confirm that the Department of Water and Sanitation is supporting us with essential infrastructure projects to ensure that our residents have access to clean water,” said De Beers-Mthombeni.
Health MEC Monyatso Mahlatsi: Strengthening Healthcare Systems
Free State MEC for Health Monyatso Mahlatsi commended the Premier’s focus on practical and achievable goals.
“The Premier was very clear in her statement—she focused on things that have already been implemented and those that will be actioned immediately. It’s not just promises; it’s a roadmap to delivery,” Mahlatsi said.
He further pledged that the Department of Health will:
• Expand hospital infrastructure to improve patient care.
• Increase the number of doctors and nurses in public hospitals.
• Upgrade key clinics such as Thandanani Clinic (Welkom) and Rheederpark Clinic (Welkom).
SACP’s Phillip Kganyago Welcomes SOPA 2025’s Focus on Economic Growth
South African Communist Party (SACP) Provincial Spokesperson Phillip Kganyago hailed Premier Letsoha-Mathae’s speech as a progressive plan to fight unemployment and poverty.
“The Premier introduced bold programs targeting the poor and working-class families. These initiatives will go a long way in providing relief to our struggling communities,” Kganyago stated.
The SACP supports the province’s efforts to reindustrialize the Free State, emphasizing economic revival through local manufacturing and job creation.
ANC Youth League (ANCYL) Sees Hope for Young People
The ANC Youth League (ANCYL) Free State Deputy Chairperson, Dikgang Parker, described the Premier’s address as a “blueprint for youth empowerment and economic inclusion.”
He welcomed commitments made to:
• Expand bursary programs to ensure more young people can access higher education.
• Increase skills development initiatives to equip youth for employment and entrepreneurship.
• Ensure youth-owned businesses benefit from government procurement.
DA’s Roy Jankielsohn Criticizes SOPA 2025
Democratic Alliance (DA) Leader in the Free State Legislature, Dr. Roy Jankielsohn, rejected the Premier’s address, calling it “a collection of empty promises.”
“The ANC government has once again failed to present real solutions to the province’s deep systemic challenges, such as corruption, infrastructure decay, and financial mismanagement,” Jankielsohn said.
The DA criticized the provincial government for lacking concrete implementation plans, particularly in tackling corruption and revitalizing the economy.
SOPA 2025: Key Announcements by Premier Letsoha-Mathae
- Job Creation and Economic Development
• 30,115 jobs to be created in manufacturing, agriculture, and renewable energy.
• R3.26 billion investment in the Maluti-a-Phofung Special Economic Zone (SEZ). - Infrastructure Development
• R1.9 billion allocated to upgrade roads, public transport, and sanitation services.
• Major road projects include:
• Zastron – Sterkspruit
• Rosendal – Ficksburg
• Thaba-Nchu to Tweespruit road. - Water and Energy Security
• R1.4 billion allocated to upgrade water infrastructure.
• Renewable energy investments to bring 6,567 megawatts of clean energy online by 2026. - Education and Skills Development
• R335 million allocated to Early Childhood Development (ECD).
• New schools under construction:
• Matlafalang Primary School
• Trompsburg Special School
• Morena Tshohisi Primary School. - Healthcare Improvements
• Hiring more doctors and nurses in 2025.
• Expansion of hospital infrastructure, including maternity wards and dialysis units. - Crime Prevention and Community Safety
• Expansion of community policing forums.
• Investments in crime intelligence and victim support services. - Environmental Sustainability
• Water harvesting projects in Wepener.
• Tree planting and conservation programs to fight deforestation.
Conclusion
The 2025 State of the Province Address by Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae has sparked both praise and criticism. While government officials and the ANC Youth League hailed the address as a progressive action plan, the Democratic Alliance (DA) dismissed it as another set of empty promises.
However, MEC Toto Makume reassured Free State residents that the government is committed to delivering on its promises, focusing on economic growth, job creation, infrastructure, and improved service delivery.
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the Premier’s commitments will materialize into meaningful change for the people of the Free State.
🔴 Central News Special Edition | Issue 94 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: “I am a proud International criminal,
Malema Fires back at Musk and Trump”
Download Here:
Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Central-News-Issue-094.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube