A leaked audio recording of the Free State MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation questioning procedures over tenders worth millions has ignited controversy and raised serious concerns about the management of public funds.

The recording captures Limakatso Patricia Mahasa questioning the procedural integrity of R8 million public funds spent on the premier’s soccer tournament which was held at Dr Petrus Molemela stadium on 30 March, and the recent expenditure of R3 million on a failed Freedom Day celebration held in Thaba Nchu.

Days before her special leave by Free State Premier Mxolisi Dukwana, Mahasa was heard in the leaked audio seeking advice on handling the fallout from the failed Freedom Day event, which went ahead despite her instructions to postpone it.

‘She had written to the Head of Department’

In the recording, she revealed that she had written to the Head of Department, Steve Tshabalala, to understand the reasons behind the event’s failure and to scrutinise the R8 million spent on the Premier’s tournament. She claimed the expenditure didn’t adhere to proper supply chain management processes.

Free State Premier, Mxolisi Dukwana, presenting the trophy to Bloemfontein Celtics with SAFA President, Danny Jordaan. Photo: Facebook

Mahasa also questioned how the service provider for the Macufe Golf Tournament was appointed without the necessary adjudication process. “I asked Steve how did they appoint the service provider for Macufe Golf Tournament without following the process of adjudication. The service provider was awarded a tender without adjudication,” she stated.

Mahasa emphasised her inquiries were part of her oversight responsibilities as MEC, but she felt as though she was being treated as if she was now an investigator. She detailed her frustrations with the Premier’s Office, noting her attempts to communicate with Dukwana were ignored. This lack of communication culminated in an urgent meeting request from the premier, which ultimately led to her special leave.

‘Accusing her of missing multiple meetings with the premier’

During the meeting, Mahasa said she received a confusing text from Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC ,Koketso Toto, Makume accusing her of missing multiple meetings with the premier. Mahasa provided evidence she was present at the meeting, contradicting the claims made in the text.

At the meeting, officials involved in the Freedom Day event explained they had continued with the event on Tshabalala’s instructions, despite Mahasa’s directive to postpone. The HOD, Tshabalala, admitted to his role in the mismanagement and acknowledged his failure to provide proper advice.

Free State Premier, Mxolisi Dukwana, at Dr Petrus Molemela stadium during the Premier's Cup tournament. Photo: Facebook

Instead of taking immediate action against Tshabalala during their meeting, Dukwana instructed Mahasa to take special leave until 29 May. This decision left Mahasa puzzled and concerned about the implications. 

She expressed her frustration, stating: “I do not know why I should take special leave because there’s nothing wrong that I did and I also have a message where I was advising him that the event should not continue and yet he did not respond to me.”

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

Before her special leave took effect on 15 May, Mahasa had suspended Tshabala for his refusal to heed her directive regarding the Freedom Day event. While Dukwana cited concerns about Mahasa’s alleged unauthorised absences and the mismanagement of the Freedom Day event, which tarnished the reputation of both the department and the provincial government.

Dukwana has since requested a written explanation from Tshabalala to clarify his actions and justify why he should not also face disciplinary action for his failure to perform his duties. In the interim, MEC for Education Makalo Mohale has been appointed as acting MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation.

OFM News/ Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg