#FSSOPA2022 | Free State Premier has high hopes for educational development!

The Free State province has once again dominated the ranks during this year’s matric results, and for Premier Sisi Ntombela, the province has a lengthy road to continue with their predominance.

During the 2021 matric results, Free State reclaimed their first position one for the sixth time with 85.7% pass rate, surpassing all provinces.

On Monday, 28 February, Free State premier, Sisi Ntombela delivered her State Of Provincial Address (SOPA), which mainly focused on development of youth and development of educational spectrum.

In an attempt to maintain their spot and improvise education within the province, Ntombela said the provincial government will implement several educational programmes and partner with other sectors of government to advance the educational sector and offer skills to the under privileged.

She highlighted that the province will reinforce the 4th Industrial Revolution, where skills such as coding and robotics will be offered to 50 secondary schools and 111 primary schools.

“Furthermore, the government allocated R128 million to school general assistant posts leading to 34 073 young people being retained for the next financial year of 2022/23,” Ntombela said over creation of jobs for youth.

In addition, the premier said the provincial government’s support for youngsters does not end with high schoolers, but also supports those graduated from high school.

“Hence the partnership with merSETA to provide training programmes to 480 TVET trainees,” stated the Premier.

She said the class of 2021 have been awarded 200 bursaries.

The national champions in education pride themselves in hard work and commitment.

“What could be the secret behind their success? Ask the champs!” said the Premier.