By Thapelo Molefe
Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae has unveiled a R1.1 billion plan to tackle youth unemployment, describing it as a defining pillar of the provincial government’s “renewal” agenda.
Delivering Budget Vote 1 in the Fourth Raadsaal in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, Letsoha-Mathae also confronted the dire state of governance in Free State municipalities, citing damning Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) findings and pledging sweeping reforms.
“The province remains committed to tackling youth unemployment through strategic partnerships with various SETAs,” Letsoha-Mathae said, announcing a support plan for 7,800 unemployed youth this year, up from 6,087 previously.
“In the past year, we exceeded our target by providing skills development to 6,087 unemployed youth, investing R396 million in their futures. This year, we will support 7,800 young people at an estimated cost of R1.1 billion.”
This initiative, the largest single allocation to youth skills development in the province’s history, will be executed in collaboration with entities like MerSETA, Services SETA, LGSETA, ETDP SETA, and Construction SETA, offering accredited training up to NQF Level 7.
She hailed this initiative as “a cornerstone of economic growth and social progress.”
Turning to local government, Letsoha-Mathae addressed a brewing crisis in municipalities across the Free State province, even telling Members of the Executive Council (MECs) that once the budget votes are concluded, the finely cut suits and elegant dresses will have to be put away. In their place, overalls and safety boots will be the expected attire.
“I draw your attention to the 2023/24 MFMA report by the Auditor-General, Ms. Tsakane Maluleke, who visited the province on April 8, 2025,” said Letsoha-Mathae.
“The report highlights ongoing financial sustainability, governance, and service delivery challenges within Free State municipalities.”
She pinpointed persistent issues such as “revenue management challenges” and “deep-rooted deficiencies in internal controls, supply chain management, and consequence management.”
“Our communities demand immediate service delivery. Maintaining the status quo is unacceptable,” she cautioned.
“We must intensify efforts to professionalize our municipalities, enforce accountability, and strengthen financial and performance management.”
To tackle these challenges head-on, Letsoha-Mathae announced the establishment of a dedicated support unit within her office.
“We are setting up a unit in the Office of the Premier to collaborate closely with COGTA, providing coordination, planning, performance monitoring, and evaluation support to municipalities.”
This proactive approach underscores the province’s commitment to fostering sustainable governance and inclusive development across Free State communities.
The speech also placed strong emphasis on public sector reform and ethical governance.
“Risk and Ethics Management remain at the heart of our work,” Premier Letsoha-Mathae declared, announcing the establishment of a Provincial Ethics Management Office and the introduction of lifestyle audits as part of new financial disclosure requirements for all public servants.
“We are determined to attain an unqualified audit opinion as a promise to efficient and accountable governance,” she said.
“People deserve no less than this.”
Digital transformation was another key focus of the budget address.
Letsoha-Mathae outlined plans to overhaul government ICT infrastructure, roll out a Provincial Broadband Strategy, and invest in cybersecurity to safeguard state systems from threats such as hacking, phishing, spoofing, and malware.
The province also plans to expand the Thusong Mobile Outreach Programme, which has already reached more than 30 of the province’s 85 towns, bringing essential government services directly to communities.
To boost transparency and effectiveness across departments, the Premier introduced new monitoring mechanisms, including quarterly performance reviews and a Provincial Institutional Capability Monitoring Tool to track governance indicators such as financial management and anti-corruption efforts.
The Office of the Premier has been allocated a total budget of R633.57 million for the 2025/2026 financial year.
This will be distributed across four key programmes: Administration (R110.96 million), Institutional Development (R270.46 million), Policy and Planning (R79.59 million), and Monitoring and Evaluation (R172.56 million).
Framing the budget as a moral commitment to the vision of the Freedom Charter, Letsoha-Mathae said: “The centre must hold for things not to fall apart. We will lead from the front and lead by example. Our people have high expectations, and it is our duty to turn their hopes into reality.”
The budget will now go before the Free State Legislature for consideration.
INSIDE METROS