Free State Department of Economic Development and Tourism

09/06/2026

Today, the Free State Department of Economic Development and Tourism held a Botshabelo Textile Cluster Business Networking session led by MEC for DEDT Ketso Makume at Botshabelo Industrial Hub.

The Botshabelo Textile Cluster Business Networking session was held under the theme, “Networking for an inclusive industrialization agenda in the Free State province”, to promote networking, market access opportunities, engagement with potential funders, and collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders within the clothing and textile sectors.

During his keynote address, MEC Makume, called for vacant factories in the Botshabelo Industrial Hub to be refurbished and allocated to emerging entrepreneurs, as part of driving inclusive industrialization. MEC Makume also highlighted that textile sector remains one of the most labour-intensive sectors. While the Botshabelo Industrial Hub already houses 154 factories employing thousands, youth unemployment in the province remains stubbornly high.

The event brought together over 120 stakeholders under one roof from government, finance, academia, and the textile industry to unlock market access, funding, and collaboration in the clothing and textile sector.

05/06/2026

In a bid to promote transparency, accountability, effective risk management, internal controls and good governance across all the departmental programmes, today the senior management of the department were under one roof with external audit committee members chaired by Mr Boitumelo Moletsane.

The audit committee brings expertise and provides unbiased scrutiny of quarterly financial transparency & non financial performance reviews. It plays an independent oversight in strengthening internal controls and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements by assisting the department to fulfill its mandate.

This platform allows external members to interrogate the senior managers' reports against their respective presentations to assess whether performance practices are aligned accordingly.

When closing, the acting HOD, Mr Pakiso Lebone, thanked the external audit committee members for providing guidance, maintaining integrity of reporting processes, and ensuring objective & unbiased oversight roles for the benefit of assuring the spending of public funds against the mandate of the department.

04/06/2026

MEC Makume strengthens governance & accountability to improve service.

Today, the Free State MEC for Finance, Economic Development, and Tourism, Ketso Makume met with DEDT (Department of Economic Development and Tourism) senior management to engage on fundamental issues strengthening internal controls to prevent fruitless & wasteful expenditure; fostering the culture of effective performance management & accountability to build sustainable MSMEs by complying with 30 day payment of service providers; doubling the efforts to ensure the coordinated approach & swift implementation of resolutions to accelerate service delivery to the people of the Free State.

His priority is to undertake initiatives for robust teamwork committed to the fulfillment of the department's mandate to positively impact the lives of the people.

MEC says the department must always set measurable targets against available resources to implement achievable programs and projects.

He further highlighted that improving service delivery is a continuous process and not a once off activity.

"Together, we can build a better department that will promote the culture of excellency & effective management; best ways to support & empower MSMEs, unearth free state hidden gems to contribute to the economy, and create much needed jobs," MEC concluded.

29/05/2026

MEC KETSO MAKUME CELEBRATES THE GRADUATION OF RESILIENT MSMEs FROM MOTHEO TVET INCUBATION PROGRAMME

The Free State Department of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism (DEDT) is proud to announce the successful graduation of a dynamic cohort of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from the Motheo TVET College Incubation Programme.
The graduation ceremony, held earlier today in Bloemfontein, marks a pivotal milestone in the province's economic transformation agenda. Delivering the keynote address, the MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Honourable Ketso Makume, lauded the graduating entrepreneurs for their unwavering commitment, resilience, and exceptional progress throughout the intensive enterprise development initiative.

The Motheo TVET Incubation Programme is a strategic partnership designed to bridge the gap between grassroots business concepts and institutionalized operational excellence. Over the course of the programme, the participating MSMEs were subjected to rigorous training, receiving technical mentorship, compliance upgrading, digital tools adoption, and comprehensive financial literacy training.

Speaking to the graduates, MEC Makume emphasized that MSMEs are the true engines of growth and the primary creators of sustainable jobs within township and rural economies.
"Running a small business requires immense courage, particularly under our current economic climate. By choosing to enter this incubation programme, our local entrepreneurs have proven that they do not seek hand-outs, but rather hand-ups. They seek the skills, networks, and operational capacity required to build sustainable, competitive enterprises that can dominate local and international markets," said MEC Makume.

The MEC further reiterated the Provincial Government's unyielding commitment to nurturing a fertile and enabling business environment. He announced that the department is actively working to dismantle regulatory red tape, open up state procurement opportunities for local suppliers, and facilitate direct linkages to development finance.
Motheo TVET College was commended for breaking the traditional boundaries of higher education by transforming the institution into a functional ecosystem for economic development, practical mentorship, and business infrastructure support.

As these newly equipped enterprises exit the incubation phase and transition into full-scale market competition, DEDT will continue to monitor their growth and provide strategic market access. The department congratulates all the graduating businesses and urges them to form collaborative supply chains that will drive job creation and economic freedom across the Free State.

28/05/2026

🎓 CONGRATULATIONS TO DR. Neo Harrison Masithela 🎓

The MEC for Finance, Economic Development, and Tourism, Honorable Moses Ketso Makume, extends his warmest congratulations to the Chairperson of the Free State Development Corporation (FDC) Board, Dr Neo Harrison Masithela, on earning his Doctor of Management in Technology and Innovation.

Achieving the pinnacle of academic success while spearheading the province’s primary economic development agency is a testament to Dr. Masithela’s profound dedication, resilience, and visionary leadership.

"Dr Masithela’s milestone exemplifies the merging of rigorous scholarship with practical leadership. His achievement serves as a powerful inspiration to our colleagues, the business sector, and the youth of the Free State." — MEC Ketso Makume.

Please join us in celebrating this outstanding milestone!

27/05/2026

This week’s goes to Humble Taste

Humble Taste is a culinary and baking brand founded with a passion for creating unforgettable food experiences through carefully crafted desserts, cakes, and catering services.

The business specialises in high-quality customised cakes, cupcakes, desserts, and elegant dining experiences designed to bring people together and create lasting memories.

Humble Taste was founded by Palesa Julia Pejane, a qualified, passionate chef and culinary creative dedicated to building meaningful experiences through food. With professional culinary training and a growing presence in the hospitality industry, she continues to combine creativity, skill, and heart in every dish and dessert she creates.

Humble Taste offers the following services/products:

Customised celebration cakes and cupcakes

Catering services

Fine dining and private chef experiences

Long table dining events

Corporate and special occasion catering

High tea setups and themed events, and

Baking classes

The business is based in Botshabelo but can deliver to neighbouring towns. For arrangements, orders, and enquiries, you are welcome to enquire using the contact details below:

Facebook: Humble Taste/ @ Palesa Julia Pejane

Email: [email protected]

Contact Number: ‪071 824 0871‬

26/05/2026

19/05/2026

This week’s goes to BSTK Trading

BSTK Trading is a dynamic and customer–focused catering company that delivers high-quality, flavourful meals for a wide range of events, from intimate gatherings to large corporate functions, whilst creating memorable dining experiences for clients.

Founded in 2021 by qualified chef Ms. Kolantso, BSTK Trading began as a modest, home-based operation and has rapidly evolved into a trusted regional brand. Ms Kolantso graduated from the Olive Chef School. The business offers the following services, but not limited to:

1. Meetings and Conferences
2. Wedding Ceremonies
3. Funerals and Tombstone unveiling
4. Farewell Functions
5. School Functions
6. Birthday Parties and Dinners
7. Private Functions

For more information, contact Ms. Busisiwe Christinah Kolantso on:
078 ‪087 7071‬
[email protected]
Facebook: Busisiwe Kolantso
Tiktok: chefb
Instagram: busisiwe kolantso
7 Gillfred complex, Polka 2 street, Pellissier,
Bloemfontein, Free State 9301

14/05/2026

KRR Travel and Tours

14/05/2026

Phela Moya Tours & Travel