The decision comes in the wake of mounting pressure following damning claims of maladministration and fraud related to the unfinished Tweespruit road project. The scandal implicates both Letsoha-Mathae and her husband, Mangaung Metro Speaker Lawrence Mathae.

Community Safety, Roads, and Transport MEC Jabu Mbalula has been sworn in as acting premier – allegedly a controversial move which has sparked strong reactions among opposition parties and civil society.

This stems from claims by a contractor responsible for the Tweespruit road project, who alleged widespread maladministration and financial mismanagement linked to Letsoha-Mathae. These allegations have intensified scrutiny of her leadership and raised questions about governance in the province.

The EFF Provincial Chairperson Mapheule Liphoko criticised the Premier's special leave, describing it as a tactic to avoid accountability.

“There is nothing special about this leave,” Liphoko stated. “The premier has exploited this loophole to retain her position while facing corruption charges. This reflects the ANC’s failure to effectively implement its step-aside policy. Instead of addressing corruption, the party seems to be nurturing another leader who could collapse state resources, much like Ace Magashule did in the past.”

‘Jabu Mbalula was implicated as a ghost worker’

Liphoko also condemned the appointment of Jabu Mbalula as Acting Premier, accusing the ANC of prioritising political alliances over competence. “Jabu Mbalula was implicated as a ghost worker on the payroll of the financially distressed Mangaung Metro. Elevating him to acting premier is an insult to the people of the Free State,” Liphoko argued.

Jabu Mbalula dismissed allegations against Letsoha-Mathae, attributing her leave to health concerns. 

“These attacks on Premier Letsoha-Mathae are baseless and malicious,” Mbalula said. “She was advised by her doctor to take leave to address health matters, and we wish her a speedy recovery.”

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi