Free State Premier Ace Magashule. (Gallo)
South Africa is safe in the hands of the ANC, Free State Premier Ace Magashule said on Friday.
Delivering his state of the province address in Bloemfontein, he focused almost entirely on the ANC government's achievements the past 20 years.
"The ANC has a good story to tell," said Magashule, highlighting national government initiatives, such as the National Planning Commission, the New Growth Path framework, and the establishment of the Presidential Infrastructure Co-ordinating Commission.
Magashule said "only the sceptics and the cynics would deny that the ANC government of the Free State has a good story to tell".
The premier focused on the province's achievements in financial management and accountability, the improvement in quality basic education, youth development, health services and infrastructure development.
"We have also intensified the fight against corruption in the public sector," said Magashule.
Checks and balances
He said payroll verification and supply chain management reviews were conducted in all provincial government departments.
Magashule said the public sector database was being reviewed to delete public servants registered as service providers.
The premier said the various economic development investments in the Free State were due to investor confidence in the ANC.
"That's why black and white are supposed to vote for this glorious party," he said.
The "good story" theme was a follow-on from President Jacob Zuma's comments during his state of the nation address last week where he said the current administration had a "good story to tell".
Western Cape Premier Helen Zille also played on this theme for her state of the province address. – Sapa