Free state: Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae has named unemployment as one of the most pressing challenges confronting the province. The Premier was speaking during an engagement led by President Cyril Ramaphosa between the National Executive and the provincial government on Friday.
According to South African Government News Agency, Statistics South Africa's Q4:2025 Quarterly Labour Force Survey released last month placed the province's official unemployment rate at some 37.2% - second only to the Eastern Cape with a rate of 42.5%. Unemployment remains the most immediate and pressing crisis confronting the province, with over one million people without work, particularly affecting young people.
The Premier outlined the provincial government's efforts to reposition the economy towards sectors that can unlock inclusive growth and sustainable employment. Key areas of focus include artificial intelligence and robotics, renewable energy and green hydrogen, natural gas development, agro-processing and food production, the digital economy and e-commerce, and entrepreneurship and support for small enterprises.
Letsoha-Mathae emphasized the need for a competitive, future-oriented provincial economy that delivers real opportunities for the people. She also stressed the importance of addressing persistent social challenges, such as crime, substance abuse, and inequality, through an integrated, whole-of-government response.
The engagement was described as an opportunity to deepen collaboration between national and provincial government in addressing challenges. The Premier highlighted the urgency of confronting social challenges, particularly gender-based violence, and committed to presenting a candid reflection of the province's fortunes.
The President is leading the engagement with the provincial government at the University of Free State Centenary Complex in Bloemfontein, under the theme: 'A Nation that Works for All'. The visit aligns with President Ramaphosa's commitment to encourage closer collaboration with provinces and local spheres of government to tackle service delivery challenges, in accordance with Section 154 of the Constitution.