The Free State Provincial Legislature is set to hold yet another special council sitting on Wednesday (26/6). MPLs will elect a new speaker and chairperson of the Committee of Chairpersons.

This follows a week of significant appointments and resignations within the provincial government. 

Last week, Ntombizanele Sifuba was appointed as the new MEC for Sports, Arts, and Culture, shortly after being re-elected as the speaker. Her resignation from the speaker position has paved the way for the election of a new speaker. 

In the same announcement, Dr Mantlhake Julia Maboya was named the MEC for Education.

It is understood that former premier Mxolisi Dukwana will assume the vacant speaker position in the Free State Provincial Legislature.

Premier MaQueen Letsoha Mathae emphasised her dedication to promoting women in leadership roles following the announcement of Sifuba’s appointment as part of the Executive Council (EXCO), which is predominantly female.

“People must graduate,” Mathae stated. “You cannot be a speaker forever. She played her role by the time she was a speaker here, and now she must graduate, come to the executive and assist us.”

Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the provincial legislature confirmed that all preparations are in place for the election of the new speaker. 

The process will be overseen by the Judge President of the Free State High Court, Cagney Musi, as designated by the Chief Justice following Section 111 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. 

Judge President Musi will also administer a solemn oath or affirmation to the designated member who missed the first sitting on 14 June, during the swearing-in of members of the 7th Provincial Legislature.

A notable absentee from the initial sitting was former ANC Secretary-General and current leader of the African Congress of Transformation (ACT), Ace Magashule. Magashule was attending his controversial R255 million asbestos case on the day of the sitting. He, however, was vocal about his intentional absence, alleging electoral fraud.

“How do I go to the legislature when elections have been rigged?” Magashule remarked to the media outside the courthouse. He accused the ruling party of manipulating the 2024 national elections and announced that his party, alongside over 20 other political entities, would challenge the results in court,” he said.

OFM News/ Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg