It is understood that the former MEC of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, who happens to be the current ANC Provincial Treasurer, Mathabo Leeto, was sworn in as a Member of the Legislature on Monday. Further changes will be made in the Provincial Legislature with Saki Mokoena, Queen Letsoha, Ketso Makume, and Dibolelo Mahlatsi expected to be sworn in as members. 

A message making rounds on social media alleges that, in addition, some of the MECs are set to be removed from their current portfolios. The message further alleges that Premier Mxolisi Dukwana will announce his Executive Council later today – which his spokesperson, Sello Dithebe, did not confirm will be happening.

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Back to the allegations made in the message, it is explained that MEC William Bulwane will be axed as the MEC of Community Safety, Roads and Transport, previously known as Police, Roads, and Transport – his successor will be Saki Mokoena. 

It is also alleged that MEC Mamiki Qabathe will be removed, and Queen Letshoha will be chosen as the new MEC for Social Development. With Dukwana being the Premier, Ketso Makume, is explained to be the chosen successor to be MEC of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) and Human Settlements. Dibolelo Mahlatsi will be Montsheng Tsiu’s successor as the MEC Health. MEC of Public Works and Infrastructure is explained will be Mathabo Leeto, while Thabo Meeko becomes the MEC of Sports, Art, Culture and Recreation. If the above allegations are true, Limakatso Mahasa, Bulwane, and Qabathe will no longer be MECs in the province.

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An anonymous source has stated that changes are indeed on the cards in the province, however, he did not state when the changes will take place nor which MECs will be changed. It is also alleged that Mangaung Metro Municipality will get its new mayor in the near future. It was confirmed to OFM News that the National Executive Committee (NEC) has selected the Umkhonto weSizwe veteran, Gregory Nthatisi, to replace Mxolisi Siyonzana. However, Siyonzana is yet to finalise the last stages of the resignation by also furnishing the speaker of the council, Stefanie Lockman-Naidoo, with the letter which will then allow the council to elect Nthatisi as the new mayor of Mangaung.

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Circling back to the provincial MECs, it is alleged that the MEC for Finance, Gadija Brown, will be moved to the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Destea). The current MEC of Destea and also acting MEC of Education, Makalo Mohale, will be appointed to be the late Tate Makgoe’s successor as MEC of Education. With Leeto allegedly to be MEC of Public Works and Infrastructure, Motshidisi Koloi is allegedly to be moved to Finance. Thembeni Nxangisa is the only MEC who will retain his current portfolio as MEC of Agriculture and Rural Development.

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Dithebe said he cannot comment on the above allegations, as he can only comment once Dukwana has made an announcement about if changes will be made. At the moment he asked OFM News to speak to the provincial ANC for confirmation. An inquiry was sent to the spokesperson for the provincial ANC for comment. The spokesperson for the Provincial Legislature could not be reached for a comment at the time of publishing.

OFM News