The Premier of the Free State, Hon. MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, delivered the State of the Province Address (SOPA), setting out the provincial government’s strategic priorities, policy direction, and programme of action for the year ahead.

In her address, the Premier highlighted government’s commitment to accelerating service delivery, particularly in communities most affected by poverty, unemployment, and inequality. She emphasised the importance of improving access to basic services, including water provision, sanitation, housing, healthcare, and education, while strengthening coordination across departments to ensure effective implementation.

Economic recovery and growth featured prominently, with a focus on job creation, support for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), and the revitalisation of key economic sectors such as agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and the green economy. The Premier underscored the role of infrastructure development as a catalyst for economic growth, including investments in roads, human settlements, energy, and public facilities.

The address also reaffirmed government’s dedication to social development and community wellbeing, with targeted interventions aimed at supporting vulnerable groups, empowering women and youth, and enhancing safety through collaboration with law enforcement and community structures.

In conclusion, Premier Letsoha-Mathae called for collective action and partnership between government, the private sector, civil society, and communities, stressing that meaningful progress can only be achieved through unity, accountability, and ethical leadership. The State of the Province Address outlined a clear roadmap towards building a capable, responsive, and developmental state that delivers tangible benefits for all residents of the Free State.