South Africa: Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae met the executive members of Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality for a meeting. The interaction was hosted on Monday, 31 March 2025 at OR Tambo House.
The aim of the visit was to find lasting solutions for the problems affecting the municipality. Premier Letsoha-Mathae has assured the Executive Mayor Gregory Nthatisi that the provincial government will support them in finding solutions for their issues.
At the same time, Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae said that administration will not be interfering in the affairs of the municipality. The government will support them in maintaining a standard of service delivery
The state of municipalities in the province has been concerning for the Premier. During the State of the Province Address which the premier delivered on 21 February, she said the Free State will work with municipalities to find solutions to the issues that they are facing.
She said: “We are deeply concerned about the state of some of our municipalities. They are not able to manage electricity and water supplies along with the removal of waste from community.
The premier of Free State acknowledged the problems faced by the Municipality. She has promised to support the communities in addressing all the issues. The promise was made during the meeting on Monday.
“We are going to assist our municipalities so that they are able to provide services to our people. This must not be seen as interference. We are one government and where our intervention is required, we will happily intervene.” Said the Premier of Free State.
She also promised the Executive Mayor that her team and administration is standing firmly in support of his municipality.
The Premier also shared her sadness on the issue of rampant corruption at local government level. She warned that those helping and protecting criminal elements will face the wrath of the law.
“People are in a comfort zone and getting involved in criminality. Companies submit claims and are paid for work they have not done. The honest officers are threatened if they refuse to approve such invoices.
Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae said that she does not want these offences to remain part of the municipality.
The Premier said that she was concerned about the abandoned buildings in the city centre. She said that these buildings are haven for criminals.
She further said drug dealing and the sale of illicit alcohol will be attended to with urgency.
The Premier was accompanied by MECs Ketso Makume, Monyatso Mahlatsi and Mamiki Maboya.