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Premier gears up for another term as he graces Youth Month

PROUD LEADER: Free State Premier Ace Magashule
PROUD LEADER: Free State Premier Ace Magashule

FREE State MEC for police, roads and transport Butana Khompela has strengthened the campaign of Premier Ace Magashule to retain his position as chairman of the ANC in the province.

Khompela told a crowd in Bethulie that the constituency in the region was behind Magashule.

"Magashule, we are with you. You are not going to be alone. You are going to have enemies around you, but you must draw strength from God," Khompela said during the launch of Youth Month.

Later this month the province will hold its elective conference in Mangaung. Magashule and Mxolisi Dukwana will be contesting for the provincial chairmanship.

Last week Magashule defeated Dukwana in the Fezile Dabi region. Other regions are still expected to hold their conferences, at which they will nominate their candidates for the coming elective conference.

Khompela praised the premier, saying he was a selfless leader who has the interests of the people of Free State at heart.

"Be patient, be the tool to change lives and continue to work for the people of Free State. God will bless you," Khompela said.

During his speech members of the ANC sang struggle songs and promised they would elect Magashule later this month.

The premier has been ANC chairman in the province since 1992. He is the longest-serving provincial chairman in the country.

Before addressing the crowd, Magashule sang a hymn - "Jeso ke ya hloka, bapa le nna," (Jesus I need you, be with me.)

The be addressed the crowd on the significance of Youth Month.

"We must be like the students of June 16 1976, who shocked the whole world when they took to the streets to fight against apartheid," Magashule said.

"Those were leaders who were totally against being taught every subject in Afrikaans. Those leaders sacrificed with their lives for us to be where we are today."

Magashule pleaded with the youth to love education and not to spend time drinking liquor and taking drugs.

"This country needs better leaders who are learned. You must go to school and study so that we should invest in you," he said.

Magashule said his government was helping those in dire need with bursaries and laptops.

He later donated school uniforms to 156 impoverished pupils. Among those who received his gifts were orphans and pupils who are already heading their families, such as Thobeka Matha.

Thobeka, 15, lives and takes care of her four siblings.

The premier has promised to provide such orphans with food parcels every month. - ntwagaes@sowetsan.co.za

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