Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, has recommitted to the government mandate of developing local artists and the growth of small businesses.
This as the province re-launched the week-long Mangaung African Cultural Festival known as Macufe. With the provincial government allocating R18-million for the event, Letsoha-Mathae announced that there will be no tender going out for the management of its flagship cultural showcase.
Instead, the event will be managed by the provincial Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation.
This tough stance taken by the provincial government follows two years of Macufe hiatus and tender disputes that marred the event in 2022.
Letsoha-Mathae says, unlike private business, governments role is to ensure inclusivity in economic activity.