Opposition parties in the Free State have levied scathing criticism, claiming that Premier Mxolisi Dukwana is disconnected from the lived realities of an average citizen in the province.

Dukwana delivered his second State of the Province Address (SOPA) at the Phuthaditjhaba Centre in Qwaqwa on Thursday (29/2). The address, which typically serves as a platform to outline achievements, goals, and challenges has instead sparked controversy and debate over the government's understanding of true conditions on the ground.

Premier Mxolisi Dukwana, Free State Legislature Speaker Ntombizanele Sifuba, and SAPS Commissioner Baile Motswenyane.  Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi 

Dukwana's speech which he delivered with customary optimism and confidence, painted a rosy picture of progress made across various sectors. This includes amongst others completing road projects, addressing issues of corruption, and investing more in Sports Arts, and Culture to support young people. Opposition leaders were quick to challenge this narrative. It became evident when tensions were high between the premier and DA premier candidate, Roy Jankielsohn, and Speaker of the Legislature Nombizanele Sifuba was left with no choice but to intervene.

DA premier candidate, Roy Jankielsohn. Photo: Facebook

"Honorable members, you know the rules of the house. You know when there is a speaker on the podium, you are not supposed to disturb the speaker. Why are you commenting when the premier is delivering SOPA, you are not supposed to comment, you know that. Can you please refrain from doing that," Sifuba pleaded.

Speaking to OFM News after Dukwana 2024 SOPA, Jankielsohn lambasted Dukwana and said he is detached from the stark realities faced by the majority of citizens in the province. While acknowledging certain advancements, critics argue that the benefits have not trickled down to an average citizen, something which Dukwana also highlighted referring to the past disadvantages. High levels of poverty and unemployment persist, particularly in rural areas, where infrastructure and job opportunities are still lacking.

‘No tangible evidence was provided’

Freedom Front Plus' Member of the Provincial Legislature Armand Cloete said this year's SOPA was hopeless as no tangible evidence was provided.

"Every year we hear about special economic zones budget for municipalities, but we don't see those congruently being there (to assist residents). So ultimately it is clear ANC has nothing left to offer the Free State, 30 years of mismanagement, corruption, and plundering in the Free State has brought them to this point where they have nothing left to promise people," he added.

‘SOPA was shameful and empty’

Rise Mzansi's Free State convenor, Nomsa Marchesi, said the 2024 SOPA was shameful and empty. She said the toilets of the very same venue where SOPA was delivered had no water and this was a reflection of the failures of the provincial government also many officials and guests had to book in Clarens because there were no water and power challenges in that area compared to Qwaqwa.

Meanwhile, EFF decided to boycott this year's SOPA.

OFM News/ Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg