Mxolisi Dukwana
Phuthaditjhaba – The Free State Premier Mxolisi Dukwana announced a R250 million road development project during the opening of the Traditional House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders held at the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipal Chambers on Friday, 1st March, 2024.
The event marked the Third, Ordinary Session of the Sixth House of the Free State Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders. Premier Dukwana was joined by members of the executive council including Ndlovukazi Leeto, Dibolelo Mance, Gadija Brown, Toto Makume, and Saki Mokoena. Also in attendance were the Director General Kopung Ralikontsane and Speaker of the Free State Legislature Zanele Sifuba.
The Premier’s commitment to the soon-to-commence infrastructure project was a cornerstone of his address, as he shed light on how it would benefit the local community.
“This massive road infrastructure project, worth nearly a quarter of a billion rand, covering a distance of well over, 47 km, is expected to yield much-needed employment and business opportunities as well as skilling for the local population. In the next two years, Qwaqwa will be a hive of activity,” Dukwana declared.
Echoing the Premier’s sentiments on socio-economic development, he pledged continuous improvement of the well-being and status of Traditional Leaders, with plans set in motion for refurbishing existing palaces and collaborating to foster community opportunities.
Ahead of the day’s events, Premier Dukwana honoured Morena a Moholo Moremoholo Mopeli oa Bakoena ba Mopeli, Koena and Morena e Moholo Montoeli Mota oa Batlokoa ba Mota, demonstrating a profound respect for the cultural leaders of the province.
“This august House remains an embodiment of our collective history, heritage and a common sense of national identity as the people of the Free State. This year’s official opening of the House coincides with the marking of 30 years of our freedom and democracy and the general election, which will take place on the 29th May 2024,” reflected Dukwana. He then took the opportunity to call on communities to vote, saying, “Let me take this opportunity to encourage everyone, to go and exercise their democratic right and vote in defence of freedom and democracy against those that want to harm it.”
Staying true to his roots and conveying his message in both English and Sotho, Premier Dukwana further added, “Re le Mmuso wa Profensi, re sebetsa le Marena ho ntshetsa pele batho ba rona, le ho lwantsha botlokotsebe, tlala, bofuma le tlhokeho ya mosebetsi.”