HENNENMAN – The Free State Provincial Government has resolved the shutdown in Phomolong, Henneman. The protest action related to the Middelpunt Solar PV Project has ended, restoring access to essential services, including schools for Grade 12 learners.

On Tuesday, 19 May 2026, Acting Premier Jabu Mbalula convened a stakeholder meeting in Henneman with representatives from the Middelpunt PV Solar investors, the Matjhabeng Local Municipality, and Phomolong community leaders. The discussions addressed community concerns regarding worker recruitment and participation in the project.

Community representatives rejected a proposed 60% to 40% recruitment split and demanded that Phomolong residents be prioritised for employment opportunities. They requested the use of a verified Phomolong community database to ensure transparency and fairness in the hiring process.

A Memorandum of Demands was signed between the provincial government, the Middelpunt investors, and the Phomolong community. The company committed to working with the community in a transparent and inclusive manner.

Acting Premier Jabu Mbalula welcomed the resolution and commended the Phomolong community for their conduct during the protest.

“I commend the community for maintaining peace and not vandalising state property. Their demands are reasonable, and residents must be prioritised in projects implemented in their area,” he said.

He said government is committed to working with both the community and the company to ensure all demands are met.

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On Friday, 15 May 2026, Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae met with the community and undertook to return after consulting all affected parties. On Tuesday, 19 May, Acting Premier Mbalula held a meeting with the Middelpunt investors and the municipality, followed by a session to finalise details before engaging with the community.

The Phomolong community has expressed appreciation for the provincial government’s intervention.

“This outcome has restored our confidence in government. It demonstrates government’s dedication to community upliftment and stakeholder collaboration in major investment projects as Acting Premier Mbalula said about the project they are implementing in Reitz,” a community member said.