The party’s provincial leader, Armand Cloete, made the statement during the debate of the State of the Province Address (Sopa), which the new-in-office premier, Mxolisi Dukwana, is expected to respond to on Tuesday 7 March 2023. 

He said the FF Plus is very clear about the fact that contractors should be appointed based on skills and qualifications. “Skills and qualifications, not colour. And if the most skilled and qualified contractor is black, by all means, appoint that contractor. But not because he or she is black, but because he or she earns it according to their merit.” 

He mentioned the principle of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE), saying it must be changed to Triple C: The Cadre, the Contract, the Cash.

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Cloete explained during his debate that when a BEE contractor gets a road tender, but that contractor is not able to do the job, that contractor appoints the subcontractor, who will do the job for far less than the initial price. But then the subcontractor is not paid by the main contractor… He says that process will result in lawsuits upon lawsuits while roads are not being fixed. “Just last week I heard the maintenance on the road between Steynsrus and Kroonstad has AGAIN been halted as a result of some dispute between the contractor and the provincial government. And this is not limited to roads only,” he added. Cloete also put the spotlight on the flagship of the provincial department of sports, arts, culture and recreation. “What happened with Macufe last year? Exactly what I just explained. Some ANC loyalist got the contract and the court deemed that contract illegal. So, don't dare to say your policy of Black Economic Empowerment is benefiting black people. Macufe 2022 debunks that myth.”

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Cloete also zoomed in on the water issue in the province. He said Riebeeckstad has not had water for at least six weeks. “I heard what you said that you and the mayor are aware of the issue of workers wanting more overtime being the problem. But premier, if you and Mayor Kalipa are aware of sabotage (because that is what it is), what actions have you taken? Was this reported to the authorities?” 

Cloete concluded his debate by mentioning that he has sent a letter from the Brandfort Forum that needs Dukwana’s urgent attention. They wish to meet with Dukwana. “Will you take the time and listen to them? I warned when your party decided to rename Brandfort that those residents rather need services. Your party has ignored them for too long. Will you be bold and listen to their grievances?”

OFM News