As the anticipation mounts for the State of the Province Address (Sopa), opposition parties are gearing up for what they believe will be another round of empty promises and political rhetoric.

One recurring criticism which has become synonymous amongst Free State political parties is the disparity between promises made during Sopas and actual progress.

Free State DA leader Roy Jankielsohn. Photo: Facebook

Free State DA leader Roy Jankielsohn called on Premier Mxolisi Dukwana to stop with rhetoric and use this year's Sopa to tell people what he is going to do in practical terms about poor road networks, high unemployment rate, decay of health facilities, and electricity crisis affecting residents. 

Patricia Kopane, ActionSA Provincial Chairperson. Photo: Lucky Nkuyane 

She doesn’t expect anything new from the Dukwana’s Sopa as he’s done nothing while things continue to deteriorate in the province, said ActionSA Provincial Chairperson Patricia Kopane. “Last year, the premier promised so much but nothing ever happens.

“When you check the report of the auditor general when they say all municipalities never got a clean audit, others are even being six consecutive years. It clearly shows nothing is happening. I’m so disappointed that R600 million is being taken out of the province while people are homeless and have nothing.”

Kopane said Dukwana promised to deal with the challenges of blocked projects, however, housing projects in Welkom’s G hostel amongst others are still incomplete.

‘Dukwana knows only what he learned from Magashule’

Rise Mzansi convenor Nomsa Marchesi said residents should not get their hopes up as nothing has changed under the leadership of former strong ally of the legally embattled Ace Magashule.

“Premier Dukwana knows nothing except what he learned from the tenure of Magashule as the chairperson of ANC and premier in the province. Under Dukwana municipalities and various departments which are solely responsible for basic services have collapsed whilst corruption is the order of the day in the province.”

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg