The Free State Government says it is confident that it will be able to attract investment to resuscitate the economy and combat unemployment. This follows the establishment of an Investment and Economic Advisory council which aims to attract investors to speed up economic growth and create jobs in the province.

The 15-member council will advise the Premier on economic matters, monitor the implementation of the Free State Growth and Development Strategy and promote awareness about economic opportunities.

Free State premier, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae says the council will help to speed up economic growth and create jobs.

“We are addressing the issue of water and we know they are also contributing. One or two investors would also make sure that we do have this issue of electricity addressed. The Minister will be in the province here on the 10th to the 13^th,” says Letsoha-Mathae.

She says they are engaging with the Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa in making sure that they assist the province.

Free State Finance MEC, Ketso Makume, says the re-opening of closed factories is on the cards to grapple with unemployment.

Speaking during the launch in Bloemfontein, Makume says, “The council will serve for three years, which will be renewable depending on performance.”

Makume also says they are also working on the repair of ailing infrastructure to also attract investors.

“We have already started. We are beginning to identify areas of QwaQwa; we have already visited some. If you visit some of the industrial parks, you will see that there is a programme that has been taken and led by Free State Development Corporation (FDC), together with the Department to ensure that we refurbish those areas,” adds Makume.