The presence of Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Ketso Makume, and senior business leaders underscored the significance of the occasion. At its heart, the gathering embodied the vision of the UFS Business School to be a catalyst for regional engagement, advancing solutions that serve both the economy and the people of the Free State.
Collaboration as the key to unlocking growth
Prof Nicolene Barkhuizen, Director of the UFS Business School, stressed the importance of working together across sectors to confront the province’s challenges. “We believe that if we put our minds together, we can create solutions that uplift both society and the economy. The Business School is here for the people. We want to bring people into the school, and we also want to go out into communities to see how we can create solutions for our province,” she said.
Her words were echoed by Premier Letsoha-Mathae, who emphasised the urgency of retaining investment within the province. “For our economy to grow, we must ensure that money circulates here in the Free State. If at least 80 percent of resources remain in the province while only 20 percent flows outward, we can start to see real change. But this requires support from our banks and the private sector to invest in the province,” the Premier explained.
MEC Makume added that collaboration is not optional but essential, highlighting the difficult balance government faces in balancing limited resources against the vast needs of the province’s residents. “We must work smart and meticulously to ensure that neither government nor the business sector fails our people. There are things that banks can do that government cannot, and there are things that universities can do that business cannot. Only by complementing each other can we build a better Free State,” he said.
The role of academia in inclusive development
One of the themes highlighted was the unique role of universities in driving sustainable economic growth. MEC Makume emphasised the importance of research and training as a foundation for inclusive development. “Businesses need people who are academically equipped, who understand market pricing and can recognise opportunities. Varsities can help us intensify research on government projects and train communities so that people understand what they do,” he said.
The MEC also highlighted recent UFS initiatives, such as the launch of the Good Money Habits app, which is designed to help business owners and individuals adopt sound financial practices. This, he noted, is a practical example of how universities can provide tools that strengthen economic resilience on the ground.
Premier Letsoha-Mathae echoed the call for inclusive growth, adding that while government is doing its best with limited resources, businesses and communities must make use of the opportunities available. “If we all work together, we can unlock the greatest potential of our province. Our collective effort will determine whether the Free State becomes a place where growth benefits everyone,” she said.
The Premier concluded by encouraging all stakeholders to take ownership of the province’s economic future. Her words reflected the central idea of the event: that collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector is the most powerful lever for sustainable development.
The breakfast reaffirmed the UFS Business School’s commitment to advancing
Vision 130, which seeks to position the university as a regionally engaged institution. By convening leaders across sectors to engage constructively on economic challenges, the Business School reiterated its commitment to being both a thought leader and a practical partner in shaping the future of the Free State.