The ANC in the Free State has strongly dismissed allegations of internal conflicts following the reshuffling of key positions within the party’s provincial leadership.

Speculations arose after former premier and provincial chairperson Mxolisi Dukwana didn’t retain his position and was excluded from the new executive council announced by Premier MaQueen Letsoha Mathae.

Mathae, who was elected unopposed as premier following a recommendation by the ANC National Executive Committee, announced her executive council last week.

‘There is no conflict between the ANC and its deployees’

The council includes returning members such as Moses Ketso Makume as MEC for Finance, Tourism & Economic Development, Dibolelo Kathleen Mahlatsi as MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Mathabo Leeto as MEC for Social Development, and Teboho Mokoena MEC for Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs, and Human Settlements.

The new appointments in the executive council are Ntombizanele Sifuba as MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Dr Mantlhake Julia Maboya as MEC for Education, Monyatso Viceroy Mahlatsi as MEC for Health, Jabu Ntsokolo Ishmael Mbalula as MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport, and Elizabeth Cornelia Rockman as MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environmental Affairs.

During a media briefing held at ANC headquarters in Bloemfontein on Friday (21/6), Provincial Secretary General Polediso Motsoeneng addressed the rumours of a power struggle between Dukwana and Mathae. He clarified that there are no internal conflicts within the party.

“There is no conflict between the ANC and its deployees. The chairperson is out of the province; he would have been here with us and other officials, including Deputy Chairperson Makume. They have requested an apology because there are other pressing matters they are attending to. There’s no conflict in the province,” he emphasised.

“Comrade Mxolisi is the chair who officiated over what comrade Queen has presented to us in terms of coordinating and ultimately consolidating men and women who have constituted the Free State provincial government.”

Motsoeneng further highlighted that Mathae’s selection of her cabinet was guided by the ANC, which maintains a majority of seats despite losing some seats in the provincial legislature following the recent general national elections.

He expressed the party’s support for Mathae’s leadership and her commitment to promoting a non-sexist society where women are regarded as equal partners in all spheres.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg