Tshabalala, who was sworn in as the Provincial Legislature’s Chief Whip last month, will also lead this portfolio committee. He takes the reigns from Neels van Rooyen who was also the ANC's chief whip during the 5th administration. 

This move appears, however, not to be welcomed by the official opposition in the provincial legislature. 

The DA’s MPL David van Vuuren tells OFM News they are disappointed with Tshabalala’s appointment in this position on the grounds that he led the Maluti-A-Phofung into a financial rut. 

This municipality is ranked amongst those highly indebted to Eskom. It owes the power utility nearly R3 billion and its water board more than R1.2 billion. 

It is amongst the many that grapples to provide basic services such as refuse collection, water, and electricity to its residents. 

In the latest Auditor-General’s report, Maluti-A-Phofung is counted amongst the 18 Free State municipalities needing urgent intervention. 

OFM News last month reported on the equipment belonging to the municipality that was seized by the sheriff of the court due to failure to pay Eskom. Coupled to this, it made news over its non-payment of salaries and contributions to third parties. 

Van Vuuren says Tshabalala led a municipality that was characterised by maladministration and corruption hence they are disappointed by the leadership demonstrated by the ANC in electing someone whose moral compass in their view is questionable.

“The Public Accounts Committee has to provide oversight over provincial departments and municipalities in terms of their annual and auditor general reports and thus requires a person of undisputed integrity and high moral character,” said Van Vuuren.

Tshabalala was recalled from his mayoral position last year in May by the ANC in the province, following months of service delivery protests and calls for his resignation.

OFM News