The revival of professional football in the Free State has rekindled optimism about economic growth in a province facing major challenges.
Many residents see new opportunities to grow their businesses and find work, a much-needed boost after the demise of major teams such as Bloemfontein Celtic and Free State Stars.
The Free State’s economy has been stagnant for years, exacerbated by poor infrastructure, unfinished development projects and political unrest. As municipalities and provincial government became a battleground for politicians jostling for position, mismanagement and corruption were rampant.
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— MARUMO GALLANTS FC (@_Marumogallants) September 15, 2024
The Free State now has the third highest unemployment rate at 38%, 5.1 percentage points above the national average of 32.9% for the first quarter of 2024.
“It is crucial to revive Bloemfontein Celtic and Free State Stars,” EFF MPL Malefane Msimanga said during the tabling of the 2024/25 budget of the Department of Small Business Development, Tourism and Environment. “They were important economic pillars, generating significant revenue and strengthening the provincial economy. People travelled to see these teams play, which benefited local businesses through increased patronage.”
DA MPL and portfolio committee chairman on public works, infrastructure, roads, transport and human settlements, David Janse van Rensburg, meanwhile, stressed the need for strategic investment in infrastructure and private sector involvement. Sporting venues in the Free State, such as the Toyota Stadium and the Dr Rantlai Petrus Molemela Stadium, have huge untapped potential to drive economic growth, he said.
The match between Marumo Gallants and Kaizer Chiefs at Bloemfontein’s Toyota Stadium on Saturday (14/9) brought new hope for local businesses. The 46,000 capacity crowd was a boom for vendors selling food and other items around the stadium, and other business owners.
Bafana Bafana received similar support in Bloemfontein when they played a World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe in the Free State capital in July. It was the first time the national team had returned to the Free State stadium since their 2010 World Cup match against France.
Fans rallying behind Marumo Gallants, the Free State’s new representative in the Betway Premier Soccer League, summoned the spirit of the beloved Ntate Petrus Molemela with songs dedicated to him.
Vendors were busy selling food and other items outside the stadium, and businesses in the City of Roses experienced a welcome economic boost. Photo: Facebook
Meanwhile, Ketso Makume, MEC Finance, Tourism and Economic Development, was on hand at the South African Rally Raid Championship at the Phakisa Raceway on the Free State Goldfields this weekend. The event, organised in partnership with the government, saw 17 racing teams compete in a 400km off-road series, drawing spectators to over 15 viewing points along the route.
Finance, Tourism and Economic Development MEC, Ketso Makume, attended the South African Rally Raid Championship at Phakisa Raceway. Photo: Facebook
Makume has been vocal about the importance of tourism in rebuilding the Free State economy. The department launched its Tourism Month programme at the Tussen-die-Riviere Game Reserve, with various outdoor activities including a 4×4 eco-challenge, game drives and a potjiekos competition.
These events are part of a broader effort to position the Free State as a major destination for both domestic and international tourists, capitalising on the province’s unique location, which links Lesotho and six other provinces.
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