Former premier Mxolisi Dukwana elected as Free State Speaker

Former Free State Premier Mxolisi Dukwana has been appointed the Speaker of the provincial legislature.

Dukwana was nominated and appointed unopposed in a special sitting on Wednesday, 26 June.

MXOLISI DUKWANA ELECTED FREE STATE SPEAKER

Dukwana gained prominence when he appeared before the State Capture Commission of Inquiry and made a number of explosive revelations surrounding the province’s former premier, Ace Magashule.

He was the MEC for Economic Development in the province when he appeared before the Zondo Commission.

Dukwana said Magashule did everything in his power to destabilise his department and for him to fail. He said the former ANC Secretary General had been interfering with his department’s work and processes.

“I am the only MEC during that time who worked with four different Heads of the Departments (HODs) from 2009 to 2012 and that was meant to destabilise the department. Every time a new HOD was appointed – and remember at the time Ace had no powers to appoint HODs – I would get the HOD who would come to me and tell me that he has been told to go help in the Department of Education and we will advertise for a new HOD,” he said.

Speaking after the special sitting, Dukwana said there is nothing sinister about his appointment.

“I am a servant of the people, wherever I am deployed I always try to do my best. Even on this role, one is going to their best to ensure that this institution becomes alive and becomes the real voice of the people,” he said.

HERE ARE THE MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN THE PROVINCE

• Finance, Tourism & Economic Development –  Moses Ketso Makume
• Public Works & Infrastructure –  Dibolelo Kathleen Mahlatsi
• Social Development – Nokwanje Selina Leeto
• Education – Dr Mantlhake Julia Maboya
• Health – Monyatso Viceroy Mahlatsi
• Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs – Elizabeth Cornelia Rockman
• Community Safety, Roads & Transport – Jabu Ntsokolo Ishmael Mbalula
• COGTA & Human Settlements – Teboho Zacharia Mokoena
• Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation – Ntombizanele Beauty Sifuba