Free State Premier Mxolisi Dukwana Takes Action: Mahasa Placed on Special Leave Amid Absenteeism and Financial Mismanagement Allegations
By Teboho Mosai | The Free State Premier Mxolisi Dukwana has raised concerns over Limakatso Mahasa’s frequent absences from her duties as the MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation. The Premier claims that these absences have left a significant leadership void within the department, further exacerbating alleged financial mismanagement. As a result, Mahasa has been placed on special leave from 15 May 2024 to 31 May 2024 to address these issues.
The controversy seems to stem from an ongoing conflict between Mahasa and Steve Tshabalala, the Head of Department (HoD) for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation. Mahasa had “suspended” Tshabalala for purportedly ignoring her instructions to cancel the Freedom Day event on 04 May 2024, an event marred by zero attendance and accused of being a wasteful expenditure totalling R3 million. A leaked audio recording alleged Mahasa complained of Tshabalala’s disregard for her directives, choosing instead to follow the Premier’s orders directly.
A meeting on 09 May 2024 between Dukwana and Mahasa failed to bridge their differences, with the MEC reportedly refusing to go on leave despite the Premier’s concerns over her absenteeism. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Dukwana described the failed Thaba Nchu Freedom Day celebration as a debacle that tarnished the reputation of the department and the Free State Provincial Government at large.
In light of these developments, Dukwana has sought a written explanation from Tshabalala regarding the mishandled Freedom Day event, pending a decision on possible special leave for the HoD as well. Meanwhile, Makalo Mohale has been appointed as the acting MEC to ensure continued leadership and stability within the department.
Setjhaba Maphalla, Free State Government Acting Head of Communications, emphasised that these steps are crucial for addressing the leadership crisis and ensuring accountability within the department.
The situation caught the attention of Armand Cloete, a Free State FF Plus legislature member, who speculated that internal ANC politics fuelled by the failure to benefit from the Freedom Day event’s budget might be a contributing factor to the unfolding drama.
As part of the unfolding drama, Mahasa had previously reached out to Tshabalala in a formal letter calling for urgent reports on various departmental expenditures, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability within their operations.
Following this, Mahasa issued a suspension letter to Tshabalala, underscoring allegations of insubordination and dereliction of duty tied to the failed event and a lack of communication.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has also weighed in on the controversy, condemning the Free State Government’s “excessive and shameless” spending on non-essential items. The party highlighted the contrast between the ANC’s past and present leadership, lamenting the financial mismanagement that starkly apparent in events like the empty-seated “30 Years of Democracy Celebration.” The DA has pledged to pursue accountability for these financial discrepancies, advocating for responsible and transparent use of public funds.
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