Newly inaugurated Free State Premier, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, has emphasised the urgent need for a dedicated public service, spearheaded by selfless and noble public servants, as government begins the work of the seventh administration.
Letsoha-Mathae said this when she met with the officials in the Office of the Premier at the Bram Fischer Building in Bloemfontein on Thursday.
Addressing the officials, the Premier stressed the importance of creativity, hard work and collective effort to combat the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
"As we embark on this new journey, I implore you to remember that we are not just public servants, but patriotic citizens tasked with building a united, democratic, non-sexist, non-racial, and prosperous South Africa.
“Let us work together to deliver quality services to our people and make the Free State a beacon of hope and excellence," Letshoha-Mathae said.
The Premier emphasised participatory democracy, urging public servants to take an active role in addressing societal issues.
She reiterated her administration's commitment to providing prudent oversight, overseeing, and coordinating the delivery of quality services, leveraging on the District Development Model (DDM) for integrated development.
Letshoha-Mathae stressed the importance of empowering the previously disadvantaged women and the youth in building a capable developmental state that prioritises the needs of the people.
The Premier said there would be a zero-tolerance approach towards maladministration, unethical practices and laziness of officials.
"The preoccupation of government, moving forward, should be that of ensuring public servants are held accountable and that the state is responsive to the plight of the people,” the Premier said.
Collective approach towards GBVF
Letsoha-Mathae added that there was a need for a collective approach towards ending gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in the province and South Africa in general.
The Premier led a GBVF march in Bloemfontein on Wednesday, following the brutal murders of two young women in Mangaung.
The march, held under the banner “March for Justice”, was organised by various sectors and associations of society.
“Together, we are determined to overcome this pervasive threat that has invaded our communities. I urge men to stand up and protect women and children, while encouraging women to never tolerate any form of abuse," Letshoha-Mathae said.
Addressing key government priorities
Meanwhile, announcing the members of the Free State Executive Council for the seventh administration last week, Letsoha-Mathae said the team reflects the commitment to addressing key priorities of the provincial government, enhancing public service, and ensuring a sustainable future for all people.
She said each member brings a wealth of experience, commitment, and a shared vision for the prosperity of our province.
“This Executive Council shall be constituted of men and women who are dedicated to serving the people of the Free State with integrity, transparency, and responsiveness to the needs of our people and reflects our commitment to addressing key priorities of our government, enhancing public service, and ensuring a sustainable future for all our people,” the Premier said.
The Members of the Executive Council are as follows:
• MEC for Finance, Tourism and Economic Development, Moses Ketso Makume
• MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Dibolelo Kathleen Mahlatsi
• MEC for Social Development, Nokwanje Selina Leeto
• MEC for Education, Mantlhake Julia Maboya
• MEC for Health, Monyatso Viceroy Mahlatsi
• MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs, Elizabeth Cornelia Rockman
• MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport, Jabu Ntsokolo Ishmael Mbalula
• MEC for COGTA and Human Settlements, Teboho Zacharia Mokoena
• MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Ntobizanele Beauty Sifuba
Visits to health facilities
The Premier will today conduct a monitoring visit to the health facilities accompanied by Health MEC Monyatso Mahlatsi.
The Premier will first visit Bongani Hospital in Welkom and then Katleho District Hospital in Virginia. – SAnews.gov.za
