The first changes in the ANC’s leadership were seen this past weekend, when an ally of President Cyril Ramaphosa, Mxolisi Dukwana, was elected as the provincial chairperson of the party. 

The list of members of the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC), whereby the provincial Members of the Executive Committee (ExCo) is determined, caused a shake-up as the current provincial premier, Sisi Ntombela, didn’t make the cut. 

Ntombela is among seven MECs who failed to make the list of these newly appointed PEC members. However, the spokesperson of the ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC), Oupa Khoabane, says it does not pave the way for people who are not elected as PEC members to be reshuffled.

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The ANC Youth League in the Lejweleputswa Region is calling for the reshuffle to happen as soon as possible.  The spokesperson, Ayanda Madona, says they are aware that not being on the PEC list does not mean a reshuffle, however, they feel a reshuffle is necessary because no good has been done by those who currently hold the power in specific departments.  

“It does not matter whether you are a PEC member or not, or which department you are from, if your department doesn’t deliver quality services to residents, you must be reshuffled,” he adds. Madona says that it is unfortunate that all the departments’ committees in the province are not happy with the work that has been done. 

“Since the leaders of the provincial departments sat in those seats, no committee has been impressed. Residents have, in addition, not received quality services. So, we are calling for their removal, including Ntombela’s removal as premier," he concluded. 

Those who did not make the cut on the PEC list include MECs Tate Makgoe, Montsheng Tsiu, Makalo Mohale, William Bulwane, Thembeni Ngxangisa, Limakatso Mahasa, and Mamiki Qabathe.

ALSO READ: Ramaphosa ally elected as Free State PEC chairperson

During the weekend of 20 to 22 January, the top 5 members of the PEC were elected after a year and months of operating with an interim structure with limited powers. 

On Saturday 22 January 2023, Dukwana emerged victorious, defeating Ntombela for the position of chairperson. Dukwana garnered 346 votes whilst Ntombela could only manage 306 votes. Dukwana was the Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) convenor after the PEC, led by Ace Magashule's strong ally, Sam Mashinini, and was nullified by the Bloemfontein-based Supreme Court of Appeal's (SCA) order in April 2021. 

ANC national chairperson, Gwede Mantashe, previously challenged Free State party members to choose leaders during the 9th Provincial Electoral Conference in Bloemfontein who will add value to the party. Whilst addressing party members at the Bloemfontein lodge, he said the ANC’s activists must understand the balance of forces. The conference experienced delays and interruptions due to disgruntled party members.

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