Free State
Free State is a province of South Africa, located in the centre of the country. The provincial capital is Bloemfontein, which also serves as the judicial capital of South Africa. The province is characterised by its vast agricultural lands, with maize farming and livestock production forming the backbone of its rural economy. Free State is also significant for its mining sector, particularly gold mining in the Goldfields region around Welkom, though this industry has declined from its historical peak. The province has emerged as an important location for renewable energy development, hosting numerous solar photovoltaic projects that contribute to South Africa's independent power producer programme. Its flat terrain and high solar irradiation levels make it well suited to large-scale solar installations. Other economic activities include manufacturing, particularly in Bloemfontein and the industrial centres of Sasolburg and Harrismith. The province shares borders with six other provinces and with Lesotho, an independent mountain kingdom entirely surrounded by South African territory. Free State was known as the Orange Free State until 1995, when it was renamed following the end of apartheid.
Free State Updates
Nersa registered 144 generation facilities in the September quarter
By: Sabrina Jardim 6th November 2026 The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) registered 144 generation facilities, with a total capacity of 3 129 MW and an estimated... →
South African votes put Eskom municipal debt clean-up at risk
By: Reuters 3rd November 2026 South Africa's dry taps and power cuts reflect a municipal debt crisis that is squeezing State utility Eskom and straining public finances, with... →
Catching the sun: Laws for energy deals need to be changed – MACUA
28th October 2026 A new report on the R2.1-billion Sonvanger Solar project raises questions about whether communities have legally enforceable rights to ownership,... →
ANC calls for mobilisation, unity following landmark ConCourt ruling in IEC candidate nominations case 
By: Thabi Shomolekae 16th October 2026 The ANC has launched a powerful call to action, urging all party structures, leagues, and alliance partners to close ranks for a “decisive victory”... →
DA rejects parole system’s endless red tape delays, calls for reform now
1st October 2026 The DA is deeply concerned that South Africa’s parole system reform is caught in a cycle of endless delays and red-tape, and reform is not... →
More land, better life? South African farming study asks if that’s the road to rural development
29th September 2026 South Africa’s rural development debate often starts with a familiar idea: if rural households have more land, they can produce more food, earn... →
The quiet erosion: What has happened to subsistence farming in South Africa?
28th September 2026 There is a gradual decline in households engaged in subsistence agriculture. What does this mean for food security and for households’ wellbeing?... →
Are South African teaching posts up for sale? School staff say an old problem hasn’t gone away
4th September 2026 Questions about the integrity of educator appointments remain unresolved in South Africa ten years after a ministerial task team investigated the... →
DA continues crusade against ‘worst’ municipal managers
By: Creamer Media Reporter 1st September 2026 The DA on Tuesday laid charges against acting municipal manager for the Mohokare local lunicipality in the Free State Mopedi Mohale, as it carries... →
IFP unveils Mkhuleko Hlengwa as eThekwini mayoral candidate
By: Thabi Shomolekae 31st August 2026 The IFP has officially declared its readiness for the upcoming 2026 local government elections, announcing Mkhuleko Hlengwa as its mayoral... →
