A source in the upper echelons inside the metro confirmed that mayor Mxolisi Siyonzana is no longer in power. 

It was also revealed during the provincial African National Congress (ANC) media briefing that there has been a list of names has been submitted to the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) for the position of the mayor of the troubled metro. 

The three names of candidates includes Lulama Titi, who happens to be a Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) of Finance, and also Lawrence Mathae, among others. The preferred candidate to succeed Siyonzana will be made known to the public after the NEC has convened a special meeting.

ALSO READ: Free State ANC recalls Ntombela

Free State in one week has seen two political leaders resign. Before Siyonzana, it was former premier Sisi Ntombela who took a decision to surrender her seat as the provincial premier. 

ALSO READ: Ntombela resigns as Free State premier

It was explained during Thursday’s media briefing that Ntombela’s decision is not because of the allegations of the infighting within the party, it is solely because she has completed the mission she was sent to do and now it’s time for her to be redeployed. Siyonzana was previously recalled by the ANC’s Provincial Executive Committee (PEC).

ALSO READ: Free State ANC recalls Mangaung mayor

The newly elected provincial chairperson for the ruling party, Mxolisi Dukwana, has been seen as the best fit to succeed Ntombela as the provincial premier. He is expected to be sworn in later this afternoon.

OFM News