PREMIER LETSOHA-MATHAE: MSMEs NEED TO ACHIEVE SELF-SUFFICIENCY
By: Neo Ntsele
The Free State Department of Economic Development and Tourism, in partnership with Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality and SEDFA, organised a successful Free State MSME Compliance and Support Indaba at Bloemfontein's Mangaung City Hall on 22 September 2026.
The event gathered over 1,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in one venue.
The aim was to enhance business support, improve compliance, prepare enterprises for funding opportunities, and offer a platform for entrepreneurs to access funding and various business support services.
The dynamic discussions stirred emotions, encouraged thoughtful consideration, and addressed key pressing issues facing the sector.
In his opening remarks, Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality Mayor, Councillor Gregory Nthatisi, urged the sector to unite like a pack of hyenas and resist giving up their freedom for the temporary benefits of employment.
He highlighted the power achievable through numbers, especially through partnerships, collaboration, and collective action.
Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae offered a detailed analysis of the Free State economy, discussing the legislative and administrative barriers that limit MSME support and growth.
Addressing the MSME attendees, the Premier urged the Indaba to assist in creating an integrated ecosystem that nurtures, supports, and grows local enterprises.
“MSMEs should not be developed and left isolated. Instead, they should be assisted in growing and accessing markets. We need to ensure benefits across the entire value chain.”
The Premier stressed that government support should ultimately lead to sustainable enterprises capable of driving economic growth and job creation.
“We should not create enterprises that remain reliant on government support, but rather those that act as catalysts for economic growth and job creation. You must form partnerships, collaborate, and build capacity. We should not continuously fund businesses that repeatedly request more money, but instead, develop self-sustaining businesses,” stated Premier Letsoha-Mathae.
Several MSMEs received financial support from various strategic partners.
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