By Phenyo Selinda
BLOEMFONTEIN – Free State Legislature members are set to elect a new Speaker today at 14:15. This comes in the wake of Zanele Sifuba’s resignation from the Speaker position to take up her new role as MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture & Recreation.
The shake-up isn’t limited to the Speaker’s position. Other key figures, including Deputy Speaker Mantlhake Julia Maboya and Chairperson of Committees Monyatso Mahlatsi, have also been appointed to significant roles within the Executive Council, resulting in multiple vacancies within the legislature.
New Appointments in the Executive Council
Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae officially appointed and swore in Zanele Sifuba and other presiding officers to the Provincial Executive Council on 23 June 2024. The process was overseen by the Judge President of the High Court of South Africa, Honourable CJ Musi, who will also be convening a special sitting to fill these crucial posts. Legislature spokesperson Life Mokone confirmed that Judge Musi will be conducting the election for the new Speaker as designated by the Chief Justice, according to Section 111(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
Mokone stated, “Judge President will conduct the process of the election of the new Speaker, as designated by the Chief Justice, in terms of Section 111(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. The Judge President will also administer a solemn oath or affirmation to a designated Member who was not present at the First Sitting of the 14th of June 2024, during the swearing-in of Members of the 7th Provincial Legislature.”
Mxolisi Dukwana’s Potential Return
Among the candidates speculated for the Speaker role is ANC Free State Provincial Chairperson Mxolisi Dukwana. Unconfirmed reports suggest that Dukwana was initially aiming for an MEC post but was redirected to the Speaker role, which he reportedly declined. It remains to be seen whether Dukwana will accept this critical position within the provincial legislature.
Newly Appointed Executive Council Members
Following the official announcement by Premier Letsoha-Mathae on 20 June 2024, the swearing-in of the new Members of the Executive Council took place, officiated by Judge President Musi. The members filling key portfolio roles include:
- MEC for Finance, Tourism & Economic Development: Mr. Moses Ketso Makume
- MEC for Public Works & Infrastructure: Ms. Dibolelo Kathleen Mahlatsi
- MEC for Social Development: Ms. Nokwanje Selina Leeto
- MEC for Education: Dr. Mantlhake Julia Maboya
- MEC for Health: Mr. Monyatso Viceroy Mahlatsi
- MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs: Ms. Elizabeth Cornelia Rockman
- MEC for Community Safety, Roads & Transport: Mr. Jabu Ntsokolo Ishmael Mbalula
- MEC for COGTA & Human Settlements: Mr. Teboho Zacharia Mokoena
- MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture & Recreation: Ms. Ntobizanele Beauty Sifuba
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