"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 poverty, address the high cost of living, and build a capable, ethical, and developmental state.

Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae emphasized that excluding youth from economic participation poses a direct threat to social stability and long-term development.

She stated that the Free State provincial government is diligently working to create much-needed jobs in the province.

"The exclusion of youth from economic participation is not only unsustainable, but it also directly threatens social stability and long-term development. As a provincial government, we are actively repositioning our economy towards sectors that can foster inclusive growth and sustainable employment," said Premier MaQueen.

These sectors include Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Renewable energy and green hydrogen, Natural gas development, Agro-processing and food production, Digital economy and e-commerce, and Entrepreneurship and support for small enterprises.

She also mentioned that the provincial government is focused on building a competitive, future-oriented provincial economy that provides real opportunities for the people.

President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa praised the achievements of the Free State Provincial Government.

President Ramaphosa spoke highly of the government's support for emerging farmers and the measures implemented to combat HIV/AIDS.

"The Free State is at the forefront in offering comprehensive agricultural support to emerging farmers and in implementing food security initiatives in vulnerable communities.

Last financial year, the province surpassed its work opportunities targets through the Expanded Public Works Programme, benefiting more than 46,000 individuals," said President Ramaphosa.

He added: "With the necessary support, focus, and direction, guided by the provincial One Plan developed under the DDM, the Free State's full potential must be realized... The Free State continues to achieve successes in health services, particularly in the areas of HIV/AIDS and TB. There has also been significant progress in combating crime."