The Free State public might witness another political controversy after the MEC for Sport, Arts, and Culture was placed on special leave, with some expecting her to be ousted from office.

The recent developments highlighted alleged leadership gaps and misconduct within this department of the Free State Provincial Government.

On Wednesday (15/5), Premier Mxolisi Dukwana placed MEC Limakatso Mahasa on special leave, citing concerns over her regular unauthorised absences from work and a failed Freedom Day event in Thaba Nchu, which cost the department as much as R3 million. 

The attendance was poor and the event seemed to have not been marketed well.

Gospel star Teboho Moruti performed at what was supposed to be the 30 Years of Freedom celebration in Thaba Nchu, held by the department. Video: Facebook/Free State World

The event placed the provincial government under the microscope for mismanagement of funds, with some saying it depicted the frustration of residents who still need services while the government continues to waste money. 

Dukwana expressed dismay over the event's mismanagement, which not only squandered public funds but also brought both the department and provincial government into disrepute.

The Free State Department of Sports, Arts and Culture HOD, Steve Tshabalala. Photo: Facebook

The debacle started when Mahasa suspended the department's Head of Department (HOD), Steve Tshabalala, with full pay, on the same day the MEC was placed on special leave. Tshabalala's suspension stemmed from his refusal to heed Mahasa's directive to postpone the ill-fated Freedom Day event, as revealed in an alleged leaked audio clip. 

In the provided recording, Mahasa regretted her lack of involvement in the event's planning and expressed frustration over Tshabalala's failure to follow her instructions to postpone the event, and that he rather insisted on following directives from the premier to continue with the event without consulting her.

Dukwana sought clarity from Tshabalala, requesting a written presentation to explain his actions regarding the Freedom Day event and to justify why he should not also face special leave for failing to perform his duties diligently as the department's accounting officer.

In the interim, the responsibility of overseeing the Sports, Arts, and Culture portfolio has fallen on the shoulders of MEC for Education, Makalo Mohale, who has been appointed as the Acting MEC for the remainder of the month.

The situation surrounding Mahasa’s tenure is not an isolated incident in the Free State government. Just last year, Motshidise Koloi resigned as MEC for Social Development following her arrest on corruption charges related to collusion with a service provider. 

Thabo Meeko, the MEC for Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (Destea), was subsequently appointed as the Acting MEC for Social Development.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg