Elzabe Rockman

"Our country does need change in the way government relates to our people and in the delivery of services."

"Working together, we can do more." In a structured manner, we brought together stakeholders and our service delivery partners in the public and private sectors as well as the non-governmental, community and faith-based sectors. We reached agreement and concretised our implementation plans to achieve the goals we set ourselves in each of the 12 priority areas. And so we laid the foundation from which we can proclaim proudly that "Indeed, we have a good story to tell"."

"We have found a willingness and enthusiasm in the private sector to work together with the provincial government to contribute to achieving our vision of creating a better life for all our people"

"Equally, we must acknowledge the critical support that we continue to receive from the non-governmental, community and faith-based organisations throughout the Province"

"The learners, together with their educators and parents, have honoured us with their presence today. After we adjourn here, we will be attending to the prize-giving ceremony together with the learners and our private sector partners. I must express my appreciation to all the officials, educators, learners, parents and our sponsors, Standard Bank and Vodacom, for enabling us to continue implementing this programme that encourages our youth’s participation in the provincial budget process."

"If a man empties his purse into his head, no one can take it away. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest." One of the legacies of this term of government is undoubtedly our investment in the further education of our youth."

"Education and skills development form the cornerstone of the priority outcome areas of government.""

"There is no better story to tell than our provincial bursary programme that supports students at tertiary institutions across the country and internationally. This is not only an investment for the Free State but we are contributing directly to the creation of a broader pool of skilled professionals that South Africa requires."