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 importance of the quality of deliberations, highlighting their far-reaching implications for effective service delivery, economic development, and job creation.

Acting Director-General Dr Molefinyana Phera said, we must learn to lead and succeed when the conditions for leadership are dwindling — even when budgets and public goodwill are not favorable, and customer satisfaction is at its lowest.

The Provincial Budget Lekgotla serves as a strategic platform that unites all provincial government departments and entities under one roof.

It provides a space to deliberate on how provincial resources should be effectively deployed to realize the three strategic pillars of the 7th Administration: driving inclusive growth and job creation; building a capable, ethical, and developmental state; and reducing poverty while tackling the cost of living.

The Lekgotla also ensures that all plans and programmes align with the State of the Province Address (SOPA) injunctions, the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP), the Medium-Term Operational Plan (MTOP), and the Free State Growth and Development Strategy (FSGDS).

This strategic gathering carries the urgent mandate of forging a coherent, integrated, and well-resourced provincial strategy to respond decisively to the socio-economic challenges confronting the Free State.

The Lekgotla noted and appreciated the comprehensive reports and presentations delivered by various departments and entities, they were not received passively.

They were critically examined, questioned, and debated from all perspectives.

The discussions were robust and frank, leading to important concessions aimed at ensuring a budget that is both financially prudent and developmentally focused.

MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Ketso ‘Toto’ Makume, emphasized the urgent need to rebuild public trust in government, identifying the completion of outstanding infrastructure and development projects as a key starting point.

“As a country, we are not out of fiscal constraints. We must ensure that budgets are used effectively and efficiently to address prevailing developmental programmes. We must institutionalize a culture of accountability within our departments and entities. Although no budget cuts are anticipated, we must continue to be prudent and deploy resources optimally to meet our developmental objectives and improve the lives of our people.”

Premier Letsoha-Mathae reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring accountability across all departments, stating firmly that she would not waver in fulfilling her constitutional duty.

“We need to clearly define each department’s role and contribution to our economic development and job creation efforts. Importantly, my office is not an interfering, but non-performance is a clarion call to action, and it will not be ignored, "said Premier Letsoha-Mathae.

She further reflected on the critical timing of the 2025 Budget Lekgotla, noting that it coincides with the period leading up to the local government elections, a time when service delivery performance will be under intense public scrutiny.

She concluded, “We must spare neither strength nor courage in our mission to deliver a local government that works — one that is responsive, effective, and committed to confronting and transforming the daily lived struggles of our people.”