Staff Reporter
Bloemfontein – In what critics say is becoming routine, the Free State Provincial Government (FSPG) has allegedly instructed government departments to support the African National Congress (ANC) January 8 celebrations, this time set to take place in Trompsburg, within the Xhariep District, widely regarded as one of the most neglected regions in the country.
The ANC in the Free State is expected to host its 114th provincial January 8 celebrations on Saturday, as announced by Polediso Motsoeneneng.
WATCH:
STEPUPSANEWS can confirm that Kgotso Morapela, a former EFF member and the Office Manager of Joyce Mathae, who was last month appointed as Chief Director, convened a meeting with office managers from various provincial departments on Thursday.
This followed a memo sent out the previous day(Wednesday).
In a WhatsApp message circulated to officials, Morapela wrote:
“Compliments of the year colleagues.
I am instructed by the Hon. Premier to convene Office Managers for MECs, Outreach Officials, Premier’s Intervention Unit and SPOs at OR Tambo House, 4th Floor, tomorrow at 10h00.
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss activities and programmes that are supposed to take place in the Xhariep District starting from next week Monday.
Your attendance and participation in this regard will be very important.
Regards
Kgotso Morapela”*
In a separate WhatsApp message, Morapela further stated:
“So each department must submit a programme detailing what services and activities we will be doing across all 17 towns of Xhariep ahead of the January 8 celebration to be held in Trompsburg on the 17th.”
Not the First Time
This is not the first instance where January 8 celebrations have allegedly been funded or supported using government resources.
In 2023, councillors in Matjhabeng Local Municipality were reportedly instructed to cover transport and food costs for attendees of the ANC event.
Media Summit
The inaugural Media Summit, held at Imvelo Safari Lodge, was another FSPG-funded event. According to the invitation, its stated purpose was to use media platforms in preparation for local government elections.
Colloquium
A failed Colloquium initiative is also cited as another project allegedly aimed at luring young voters.
This intention was reportedly made clear in a message sent to Teboho “Sulky” Mokoena by Matshediso Setai.
“Cde Saki…the Premier has been advised against this colloquium…pity she’s going to miss an opportunity to make her administration relevant with the youth of this Province…
Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation is sending 40 of their students they fund and other national agencies…
Gauteng Province has asked the Colloquium team to host it in their Province as part of their G20 Youth Programme before the G20 International meeting in November and the Province that initiated the programme is missing in action as though we do not understand the significance of Youth vote as we prepare for LGE 2026…there is only so much I can do🤷🏽♀️”
This is the same event that Education Departmet Head, Humphrey Malakwane approved payment using a fraudulent letter.
History Has No Blank Pages
Last year, the Public Protector of South Africa found FSPG guilty of misusing government resources for party-political activities during the Letsema programme, described by critics as “Hlasela in disguise.”
This after Dr Roy Jankelsohn of the Democratic Alliance referred the matter.
With local government elections scheduled for later this year, observers warn that more such events can be expected.
WATCH:
In Free State Events are used to steal government money.
Just two examples: Mens Indaba in 2025 and Women’s Day event held by Free State Education.
Amasela!
We will unpack the program of action daily as per documents in our possession but why is IEC attending this?
In other news Kwazulu Natal to topple Free State from number 1 spot as matriculants wait one more day with Gauteng occupying position 3.
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