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FREE STATE PREMIER RESPONDS TO PROTESTS: COMMITS TO ADDRESSING UNDOCUMENTED MIGRATION
Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae By: Neo Ntsele On 30 June 2026, the Free State Provincial Government, led by Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, officially received a memorandum of demands from the organisers of the national march against illegal immigration. She praised the marchers for their discipline and peaceful behaviour. “You have demonstrated to the nation that we can advocate for change without resorting to violence,” Premier Letsoha-Mathae stated. The Premier
themarathonnews03
Jul 12 min read


FREE STATE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT JUNE 30TH WILL CONTINUE TO BE A REGULAR DAY
Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae By: Staff Reporter The Free State Provincial Government wishes to inform the people of the Free State about the upcoming nationwide march on 30th June 2026. Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae has stated that the Provincial Government approaches this time with determination and clarity, saying, "We are committed to intensifying our efforts, especially in creating safer, more united communities." In line with this commitment, the Provincial
themarathonnews03
Jun 263 min read


FREE STATE PREMIER ENGAGES WITH RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR IN SOUTH AFRICA
Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae and Russian delegates By: Neo Ntsele On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, Premier Maquuen Letsoha-Mathae, along with Members of the Executive responsible for Education, Health, Economic Development and Tourism, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, and Acting Director-General Dr. Motsamai Motsoari, met with a Russian delegation led by the Ambassador to South Africa, His Excellency Roman Ambarov. This marks only the second visit of HE Ambarov to
themarathonnews03
Jun 241 min read


PREMIER LETSOHA-MATHAE SUPPORTS SIU PROBE INTO FREE STATE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT BURSARY PROGRAM
Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae By: Staff Reporter Free State Province Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae has acknowledged and welcomed the findings from the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) concerning the bursary programme within the Office of the Premier. She emphasized that disciplinary actions will be taken against all those involved. The SIU's investigation, under Proclamation 123 of 2023, examined the Office of the Premier’s bursary report for the 2017/18 financia
themarathonnews03
Jun 32 min read


ACTING PREMIER MBALULA’S FIRM ACTION RESOLVES HENNEMAN SHUTDOWN
Free State Acting Premier Jabu Mbalula engaging Phomolong Residents By: Staff Reporter The Free State Provincial Government, led by Acting Premier Jabu Mbalula, has effectively resolved the shutdown in Phomolong, Henneman. The protest concerning the Middelpunt Solar PV Project has ended, allowing full access to essential services, including education for Grade 12 students. On Tuesday, 19 May 2026, Acting Premier Mbalula held a stakeholder meeting in Henneman with Middelpunt P
themarathonnews03
May 212 min read


JABU MBALULA NAMED AS INTERIM PREMIER
Jabu Mbalula, Judge President Cagney John Musi By: Staff Reporter The Premier of the Free State, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, has designated Jabu Mbalula, the MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport, as Acting Premier of the Free State Province while she is abroad on official duties. This appointment is effective from May 4 to May 11, 2026, ensuring continuous governance during the Premier’s absence. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Free State Division of the High
themarathonnews03
May 41 min read


MEC MAKUME INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT
MEC Ketso Makume By: Staff Reporter On Sunday, 19 April 2026, the MEC for Finance, Economic Development, and Tourism, Ketso Makume, was involved in a car accident. The accident happened on the N5 between Paul Roux and Senekal. The incident occurred when a wild animal suddenly crossed the road, and the driver was unable to avoid hitting it. The MEC and his two protectors emerged without any serious injuries. The family has asked for the MEC, his protectors, and their families
themarathonnews03
Apr 201 min read


REMEMBERING CHRIS HANI
Chris Hani By: Staff Reporter Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae emphasized that the tragic events of April 10, 1993, serve as a poignant reminder of the cost of the freedom we cherish today. During this month, as we commemorate Freedom Day, achieved on April 27, 1994, with the first democratic elections in our nation, it's equally crucial to reflect on the sacrifices made to reach our current state. April is also the month when our martyrs, Solomon Mahlangu and Chris Hani, were
themarathonnews03
Apr 102 min read


EASTER MESSAGE FROM THE SPEAKER OF THE FREE STATE LEGISLATURE
Mxolisi Dukwana By: Staff Reporter Mxolisi Dukwana, the speaker of the Free State Legislature, has shared a warm Easter message with the Free State community. "As we come together with family and loved ones to celebrate Easter, I send heartfelt greetings to everyone in the Free State. This Easter season carries a profound message of hope, renewal, sacrifice, and resurrection. It reminds us that after the darkest times, light and new beginnings can emerge. In the spirit of Eas
themarathonnews03
Apr 32 min read


MAJOR GENERAL THABANG SOLOMON LESIA APPOINTED AS NEW PROVINCIAL SAPS COMMISSIONER
Major General Thabang Solomon Lesia By: Staff Reporter Major General Thabang Solomon Lesia has been named the new Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS). With over thirty years of experience in policing, he possesses a profound understanding of operational environments. The Premier of the Free State, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, expressed her approval of Major General Lesia's appointment, highlighting its significance at a crucial time when combating cr
themarathonnews03
Mar 311 min read


"EXCLUDING YOUTH FROM ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION POSES A DIRECT THREAT TO SOCIAL STABILITY AND LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT", PREMIER MAQUEEN
Minister of GOGTA VF Hlabisa, President Cyril Ramaphosa, Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae By: Staff Reporter On 27 March 2026, President Cryil Ramaphosa and his cabinet met with Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae and Members of the Executive Council at the University of the Free State's (UFS) Centenary Complex (UFS). The meeting aimed to explore how national and provincial governments can collaborate more effectively to promote inclusive growth and job creation, reduce p
themarathonnews03
Mar 282 min read


PROVINCIAL BUDGET OF R47.9 BILLION TABLED
MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Ketso ‘Toto’ Makume By: Neo Ntsele On Tuesday, 17 March, MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Ketso ‘Toto’ Makume delivered the budget speech for the 2026/27 financial year at Bloemfontein City Hall. MEC Makume presented a budget focused on boosting economic recovery, enhancing revenue collection, and improving public service delivery. This year’s budget reflected a notable reduction of R332.6 million. MEC Makume
themarathonnews03
Mar 172 min read


FS EXCO VISITS RESIDENCE OF THE LATE PREMIER MOSIUOA LEKOTA
FS EXCO By: Staff Reporter On Monday, 09 March 2026, the Free State Executive Council (EXCO) visited the Bloemfontein residence of the late former Premier Mosiuoa Lekota, who passed away on 04 March 2026. During the visit, Mxolisi Dukwana, Speaker of the Free State Legislature, described the late Premier, former Minister of Defence, and struggle stalwart Mosiuoa Lekota as a committed freedom fighter who dedicated his life to serving the people. “He was a soldier who tirelessl
themarathonnews03
Mar 102 min read


COPE CO-FOUNDER AND FIRST FREE STATE PREMIER MOSIUOA "TERROR" LEKOTA DIES
Mosioua " Terror " Lekota By: Staff Reporter Congress of the People (COPE) leader and co-founder Mosiuoa "Terror" Lekota has died, aged 77. Lekota died at a Johannesburg hospital in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The party confirmed the news, adding that the family had requested privacy during this difficult time. Lekota served as Minister of Defence from 1999 to 2008. He also served as the Premier of the Free State after the country's first fully democratic elections
themarathonnews03
Mar 41 min read


PCA CONTINUES TO MAKE STRIDES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST HIV/AIDS.
PCA Chair, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae By: Staff Reporter Chairperson of the Provincial Council on AIDS (PCA), and Free State Premier, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, today (Thurs), convened the ordinary meeting of the Council on AIDS at OR Tambo House in Bloemfontein. The purpose of the meeting was to take inventory of the decisions of the previous meeting and to assess progress in the implementation of deliverables. Premier emphasized the importance of this Council in relation to the w
themarathonnews03
Feb 261 min read


'WE MUST PROVE OURSELVES WORTHY OF PUBLIC TRUST' MEC MAKUME
MEC Ketso Makume By: Staff Reporter The MEC for Finance, Tourism and Economic Development, Ketso Makume, officially declared the Lekgotla opened for the EXCO Provincial Budget Lekgotla held at Imvelo Safari Lodge on Tuesday 17. MEC Makume in his opening remarks urged delegates to tighten their belts and apply their expertise to advance the interests of the people of the Free State. These sentiments are made 3 days before the State of the Province Address (SOPA), which will b
themarathonnews03
Feb 172 min read


FREE STATE NCOP DELEGATES WORRIED ABOUT UNFINISHED WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROJECTS
NCOP Delegate Bheki Radebe By: Neo Ntsele The permanent delegates from the Free State to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) have raised concerns about incomplete Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) projects in the Nketoana Local Municipality. During the NCOP’s annual Provincial Week programme, the delegation visited sites in the Thabo Mofutsanyane District Municipality on Thursday, the 20th, to assess service delivery progress. Two major projects – a 3ML reservoi
themarathonnews03
Nov 21, 20252 min read


FREE STATE PROVINCIAL COUNCIL ON AIDS HAS A HUGE TASK TO FULFILL
Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae By: Staff Reporter The Free State Provincial Council on AIDS (PCA), chaired by Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae and co-chaired by Simphiwe Mokoena, convened its ordinary meeting at OR Tambo House in Bloemfontein on Wednesday 29, bringing together key stakeholders to strengthen the province’s response to HIV/AIDS, TB, and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI). The PCA serves as the provincial arm of the South African National AIDS Counci
themarathonnews03
Oct 30, 20252 min read


IMPERATIVE FOR BUDGET TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF RESIDENTS
Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae By: Staff Reporter Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae emphasized the non-negotiable imperative of aligning the provincial budget with the material conditions of residents. When the budget does not speak to plans, failure is Inevitable The remarks were made at the Free State Provincial Government Planning and Budget Lekgotla 2025, held at Imvelo Safari Lodge (Bloemfontein) on Wednesday, 22. Premier Letsoha-Mathae, stressed the i
themarathonnews03
Oct 23, 20252 min read


MOHOKARE MUNICIPALITY FIGHT AGAINST SPILLAGE SEWAGE
Photo: Workers fighting spillar sewage Supplied By: Neo Ntsele The Mayor of Mohokare local municipality Teboho Mochechepa embarked on a...
themarathonnews03
Aug 4, 20251 min read
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