The analyst, Sethulego Matebesi, stated that it did not come as a surprise to him that the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has found Dukwana befitting to succeed out-of-power Sisi Ntombela. What surprised him was that other names were put up in the search of Ntombela’s successor. “I have always been under the impression that it is only fair that Dukwana becomes the provincial premier after being elected as chairperson, but with the ANC being the ANC, other names were also suggested for the next premier. I really do not know what the reason was for that,” he added.  

ALSO READ: Free State ANC Chairperson 'perfect fit to succeed Ntombela'

The DA in the province is of the view that even with a new premier, nothing will change. The DA’s leader, Roy Jankielsohn, said whoever will be chosen as Ntombela’s successor will be cut from the same cloth as he/she will be from the ANC. “Over the past years we have seen a decline in the stability of the ANC as the governing party, we have seen an increase in divisions and factionalism in the party. So whoever will be the premier, it's still part of the fractured ANC and, unfortunately, this has caused a great deal of instability in our provincial government.” Jankielsohn stated that this factionalism creates the idea that the ruling party does not care about the people of the province, but only themselves.  

ALSO READ: Ntombela resigns as Free State premier

ActionSA shares a different view from Matebesi, that Mxolisi should not become provincial premier due to his track record in government. This is despite the ANC stating Dukwana is the perfect fit because of his experience and the challenges faced in the province. The party’s leader, Patricia Kopane, says municipalities within the province have deteriorated under his watch as the MEC of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta). The latest report by the Auditor-General was mentioned by Kopane. “The AG has identified irregularities at five municipalities in the province after they failed to submit their financial statements on time. Not a single municipality has received a clean audit in the past five years, which reflects the quality of leadership provided by Duwkana.”

ALSO READ: Mangaung’s financial woes worsen, even after intervention

Even after the national intervention, the Bloemfontein-based Mangaung Metro Municipality incurred a loss of R1.8 billion in the previous financial year. The metro further failed to investigate unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure amounting to R1.4 billion. These figures were made known in the Auditor-General's (AG) report. The report also indicated that the metro has received a qualified audit outcome with findings. The DA in the municipality is of the view that this outcome is a regression from the previous financial year. The DA’s Dulandi Leech made reference that the AG mentioned material matters of concern that required “significant and urgent intervention”. Material matters include the lack of supporting documents to substantiate actual achievements. In terms of other projects reported, the documentation differed substantially from the work which was done. Additionally, limited measures were put in place to improve the reporting processes.

ALSO READ: ’Free State ANC is pro-Dukwana camp’ – Analyst

Back to the premiership of the province – Ntombela surrendered the seat on Tuesday 21 February 2023, effective from Friday 24 February 2023. In her resignation letter, she expressed her appreciation for the support that was offered to her. 

“Together we have tried our best in difficult circumstances to meet the expectations of our people,” reads the letter. Many associated her reign in the province with the era of former premier Magashule. 

The recalling of Ntombela comes weeks after the Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) made a call for the removal of the embattled Bloemfontein-based Mangaung Metro Municipality's Mayor, Mxolisi Siyonzana. This is also after Dukwana was appointed as provincial ANC chairperson. Ntombela had also failed to make it onto the list of the newly appointed Provincial Executive Committee’s list.

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