Acting Premier Sello Moloto says the Limpopo government has no illusions regarding the huge task it faces.

He was addressing the provincial Freedom Day celebration at Tubatse, in the Sekhukhune district.

Although encouraging results had been achieved since the government came to power nine years ago, there was still a lot to be done, particularly in rural areas. Young people needed training and employment, while the provincial administration had to be made more efficient and people friendly, Moloto explained.

"We are determined to sharpen our focus in this area, in order to make sure that our hard-won freedom makes real sense to everyone", he said. The provincial government would also strive to make electricity available to more communities, and also planned to improve access to roads. Many classrooms were still needed, and clinics had to be upgraded, so that they could provide 24-hour service.

Child support grants were increased during the current financial year, and a larger allocation would also be made to school nutrition programmes. A large amount would also go to support programmes for people affected by and infected with HIV/AIDS.

"It is our considered view that South Africa will not count itself among the free nations unless we all commit ourselves to a partnership of making our country a better one," he declared.