Free State Provincial Government

REGISTER TO VOTE

Local Government Election Registration Weekend.

Date: 20- 21 June 2026

Voter Registration Weekend

Saturday 20 June 2026 &
Sunday 21 June 2026

PIONEERING YOUTH

Dr. Lehlohonolo Reginald Mkatsane, from Dinoheng in Kroonstad, was appointed Head of Clinical Services at Bongani Regional Hospital at the remarkable age of just 32.

In this role, Dr. Mkatsane leads and supervises the hospital’s medical doctors, playing a key part in ensuring quality healthcare delivery.

He is a proud beneficiary of the Free State Provincial Government Bursary Programme, highlighting the impact of investing in young talent and future leaders.

Integrated Government Services To Bergman Square Mangaung

Details are as follows:

Date: 23 June 2026
Venue: Grassland Primary School
Time: 09:00 - 16:00

NB: Remember to bring your Identity Document (ID) to get assistance.

MACUFE 2026

MOKOENA AIMS HIGH

FREE STATE GOVERNMENT BENEFICIARY’S DRIVE TO BECOME SUCCESS

Thabang Mokoena hails from a section of Thabong, near Welkom, called Las Vegas.

Perhaps that would explain his fascination with electricity because Sin City is known for its bright lights. Mokoena has recently qualified as an artisan electrician from the Free State Department of Public Works and Infrastructure’s Artisan Development Program and he has his sights set on becoming a great success.

“I want to be a powerhouse in the field of electricity and leave a long-lasting legacy. I have always liked and been fascinated by electricity.

In my community, I assist people whenever they have problems with their electricity. There is currently a project underway by ESKOM and sometimes they (ESKOM technicians) call me to assist. It is wonderful because I am gaining a lot of experience,” Mokoena said proudly.

Having grown up in a household where no one managed to further their education beyond matric, Mokoena said he has always been determined to change that and make his family proud.

“I grew up in a family where there were 10 of us living under the same roof. My grandmother Dorah had seven daughters who had children of their own, so there were a lot of us in our home.

I was determined to further my education because no one in my family has managed to do that, so when the opportunity to become an artisan was presented to me, I took it with both hands,” he said.

Having worked on several projects such as the electrification of clinics across Matjhabeng local municipality, Mokoena has gained invaluable experience.

“I thank MEC Mance for this opportunity and I hope more young people can go through the artisan development program. It is empowering and you practically do the job,” he said.

MEC Mance said the artisan development program has been successful and helped many young people across the province.

“The program has proven successful and I am proud that when given an opportunity, the youth of our province made full us of it,” MEC Mance said.

PIONEERING YOUTH

28 Year-old Lehlohonolo Phakoe from Senekal won the 2024 Young Farmer of the Year Award. Phakoe is a crop and livestock farmer. He epitomises hard work and unwavering dedication.

Lehlohonolo is a beneficiary of the Free State Provincial Government Agricultural Support Programme.

Reset@50

YOUTH MUST ENGINEER THEIR OWN FUTURE

Beneficiaries Tell Their Story

An undisputed fact that the government of the people cannot deny is that young people thirst for employment and economic opportunities. However, it would be equally disingenuous to ignore that a plethora of successful young professionals, entrepreneurs, sports people, academics, and community builders have risen to success on the wings of government support.

Testimonies from proud beneficiaries of various forms of government assistance, shared during the Youth Month Tourism Engagement Programme held in Bloemfontein, were so compelling that even pessimists had to acknowledge that, although they may not have directly benefited, millions of young people have, in one way or another, gained from government initiatives.

The programme, led by Deputy Minister of Tourism Makhotso Sotyu, showcased the unquenchable passion among the province’s youth for culinary arts, heritage and entrepreneurship. It also provided a platform for young people to engage on issues affecting the tourism and hospitality industry, including access to funding, business premises, lengthy application processes, underfunding, and inadequate tourism marketing, all of which negatively impact the industry and the livelihoods of those who depend on it.

Addressing a hall filled with young people, some despondent and others optimistic about the future, Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae acknowledged that: “Youth cannot live by hope alone but rather need to see and feel the impact of progress in their lives. Young people must be equipped with skills and provided with various kinds of opportunities and support, both financial and non-financial.”

Deputy Minister Sotyu urged young people to take ownership of their future, retorting that:
“Your role as a generation of youth is to fight for your inclusion in the economy of the country. The tourism sector recognises that young people must not be passive observers but active participants in shaping the future of the country.”

Premier Letsoha-Mathae further emphasised that her recent investment missions to China and Italy had already begun to bear fruit for the province, particularly for young people who stand to benefit most from the investments secured during the visits.

“Our mission was not for leisure but to secure resources that will better the lives of our people, particularly the youth who continue to be plagued by unemployment, poverty, and inequality,” said Premier Letsoha-Mathae.

Also present at the engagement were MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure Dibolelo Mance and MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Ketso “Toto” Makume and Deputy Speaker of the Free State Legislature, Nolitha Ndungane.