Premier set to table key policy plans amid renewed push for execution and oversight
By: Lerato Mutlanyane
With the spotlight firmly on accountability and delivery, the Free State Legislature has declared its readiness for the 2026 State of the Province Address (SOPA), setting the tone for a financial year expected to test the government’s commitment to execution over rhetoric.
The State of the Province Address is scheduled to take place today at 10:00 at the Old Grey Sport Ground in Bloemfontein. The Premier is expected to outline the province’s political and socio-economic conditions, set key policy priorities for the year ahead, and reflect on both achievements and persistent challenges.
The address will bring together members of the judiciary, business, labour, religious institutions, academia and other sectors of society.
Addressing members of the media on Wednesday, Speaker of the Free State Legislature Mxolisi Dukwana described the occasion as a carefully structured programme aimed at driving development and reinforcing fiscal discipline.
“It is not a celebration. It is not a spectacle. It is a constitutional accountability platform,” Dukwana stressed. “It is not a fashion parade, but a moment for government to account to the people.”
Dukwana further reported that expenditure on the official SOPA has been reduced by more than 25% compared to the previous year, decreasing from R4.5 million to R3.3 million.
“This reduction is deliberate,” he said, noting that it reflects the Legislature’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and strengthening public trust.
Residents have been encouraged to follow the proceedings through available platforms and to remain actively engaged throughout the year. “The Legislature does not operate in isolation,” he added.
Reaffirming the institution’s mandate, Dukwana said the Legislature remains committed to protecting constitutional democracy, advancing the rights and livelihoods of citizens, exercising vigilant oversight over the executive, and ensuring responsible stewardship of public resources.
“We look forward to the Premier’s address and to the robust legislative process that will follow. Above all, this institution exists for one purpose — to serve the people of the province.”
As the briefing concluded, attention turned to a pressing question: will 2026 mark a decisive shift from planning to implementation — translating policy commitments into measurable delivery for the people of the Free State?
Here’s what residents expect from the Premier’s address
Residents across the Free State say they want this year’s State of the Province Address to move beyond promises and focus squarely on service delivery, jobs and opportunities for young people.
Marlene Van Wyk from Heidedal in Bloemfontein believes road infrastructure and healthcare should top the Premier’s priorities.
“I will be happy if I can hear the Premier speaking about plans to fix our roads in Heidedal and prioritise the needs of elderly people in our communities. Importantly, improve our local hospital, Pelonomi Hospital, because our people cannot continue to die and be treated like animals. We pay taxes for a reason”.
“Fix our street lights, which don’t function half the time, and repair our sewerage systems so that we don’t have flooded or blocked drains,” said Van Wyk.
Bonisoa Mahlasi said unemployment must be aaddresseddecisively.
“As a member of the Free State community, I expect the State of the Province Address to tackle pressing issues like unemployment. The province is facing serious challenges, with youth unemployment exceeding 35%. It’s frustrating that this issue is repeatedly discussed without tangible results,” she said.
Meanwhile, Msokoli Nyuleka hopes the Premier will address the shortage of local sporting facilities for young people.
“We need to nurture our youth from an early age to prevent what we see now, where young people loiter in the streets daily with nothing to do. They end up turning to crime because there are no proper sporting facilities and no direction,” said Nyuleka
