FREE STATE – Premier of the Free State MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, joined by MEC for Health Monyatso Mahlatsi and MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport Jabu Mbalula, handed over 14 new ambulances at Bongani Regional Hospital on Wednesday, 17 June 2026.

Of the 14 ambulances, seven have been allocated to Lejweleputswa, three to Fezile Dabi and four to Thabo Mofutsanyana.

The handover gives effect to the Premier’s commitment in the 2026 State of the Province Address that the Seventh Administration will accelerate service delivery, with a strong focus on strengthening emergency medical services across the province.

Letsoha-Mathae commended the Departments of Health and Community Safety, Roads and Transport for working together to build a responsive EMS capacity across the Free State, covering emergency response, planned patient transport, dedicated maternity services, general medical care, emergency and rescue services, and inter-facility transfers.

“This is about saving lives. Our communities must feel the presence of a capable state where they live,” said Letsoha-Mathae. “Health is the most sensitive portfolio because it deals with human lives day and night, and we cannot afford for it to fail—it must save lives.”

The handover forms part of the plan announced during the Budget Speech by Mahlatsi to strengthen EMS capacity across all four districts of the province, including Mangaung Metro Municipality. The provincial rollout, which began on 7 May 2026, targets delivery of 103 ambulances during the 2026/27 financial year. Earlier handovers took place in Xhariep, followed by Mangaung.

Mahlatsi urged residents and road users to help curb road carnage and violent conduct that place enormous burdens on EMS resources. He highlighted how gender-based violence and femicide and interpersonal violence strain the EMS system and contribute to delays when emergency care is most needed.

“We are investing in EMS response capacity so it is available when needed, not to create conditions for its needless use,” said Mahlatsi.

Mbalula welcomed the partnership that enabled the delivery of the right tools to the Department of Health for emergency services. “Working together across departments is how we turn the Premier’s service delivery directives into tangible results that communities can see and rely on,” he said.

The Premier urged the Department of Health to explore repurposing available stretchers as temporary beds during clinical handover to free ambulances back to service more quickly. She also called for sustained attention to staffing so that new vehicles are matched with personnel needed to operate them effectively.

Head of Department for Health Ernest Mohlahlo assured the Premier of a quick turnaround on filling critical vacancies and plans to ensure replacement ambulances are available when parts of the fleet are in for servicing.

Following the handover, the Premier conducted a walkabout at Bongani Regional Hospital, visiting the Renal Unit, Orthopaedic Unit and Paediatric Unit.

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