PREMIER LETSOHA-MATHAE DELIVERS 14 NEW AMBULANCES TO HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Premier Letsoha-Mathae handing the ambulances

By: Ntsele Neo

Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae presented 14 ambulances to the Free State Department of Health at Bongani Hospital on 17 June 2026.

She was joined by MEC for Health Monyatso Mahlatsi and MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport Jabu Mbalula.

Letsoha-Mathae stated that the introduction of new ambulances is part of the government's initiative to enhance life-saving efforts in the province.

Seven ambulances have been designated for Lejweleputswa district, three for Fezile Dabi, and four for Thabo Mofutsanyana.

“This initiative is focused on saving lives. Our communities should experience the presence of an effective state where they reside. Health is a critical area as it deals with human lives continuously, and we cannot allow it to fail—it must save lives,” Letsoha-Mathae remarked.

The event also fulfilled MEC Mahlatsi’s budget speech promises to enhance Emergency Medical Services capacity throughout all four districts of the province, including Mangaung Metro Municipality.

The provincial rollout, initiated on 7 May 2026, aims to deliver a total of 103 ambulances during the 2026/27 financial year.

Previous handovers occurred in Xhariep, followed by Mangaung, with Lejweleputswa now receiving its share.

MEC Mahlatsi called on residents and road users in the Free State to help reduce road accidents and violent behaviours that heavily burden EMS resources.

He emphasized that gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and interpersonal violence not only affect families but also strain the EMS system, causing delays when emergency care is critical.

“We are enhancing EMS response capacity to ensure it is available when needed, not to encourage its unnecessary use. As a community, we must work towards preventing injuries and diseases, care for our lives and communities, and promote healthy lifestyles to decrease reliance on ambulances and hospitalization. This approach allows the health system to focus more on prevention and reduce the disease burden,” Mahlatsi stated.