Makume and Dukwana in a power struggle over suspension of HoD

Staff reporter

Bloemfontein – Hardly two weeks after Mxolisi Dukwana, Free State Premier expressed serious concerns over ongoing fights between MECs and HoDs while addressing his EXCO on the 22 June 2023, things are moving sideways.

In the same EXCO meeting which was the first for Dukwana after 18 days of sick leave, sources say Dukwana took a swipe at Ketso Makume, MEC for COGTA and Human Settlement who was acting Premier.

A source who spoke on condition of anonymity said the rift between MECs and HoDs got the attention of the Premier.

“Premier warned everyone and said they must work together, he is aware of what’s happening.”

Another source with intimate knowledge and who was present during the EXCO said Dukwana sounded like he didn’t appreciate how Makume handled the saga around the costs of Tate Makgoe’s funeral.

“We have never heard Premier speak so firmly and he told everyone that he is not weak as most people say he is and he is not in support of purging people.

He also told us that even the issue around the funeral is blown out of proportion and instead of government legislating funerals people are targeted.”

Our source said Dukwana explained that people call him and tell him his MECs and HoDs are meeting Magashule secretly.

“Premier mentioned MECs and HoDs that are allegedly meeting Ace Magashule, the expelled former secretary general of the ANC, and asked what must happen.

He said he attends funerals and sits next to Magashule, people can easily take pictures of them sitting together and spread propaganda.”

The costs for the funerals is well over R5 million but that’s a story for another day.

A text to Human Settlement staff suggests a suspension of HoD is imminent.

“A very good morning to all of you, colleagues. Kindly take note that the Executive Authority, Mr. MOSES KETSO MAKUME, has in terms of section 42A, subsection (7) (c) withdrawn all Delegations into the Public Service Act, from the Head of Department, Ms. MM Masimene on 28 June 2023.

The effect of this is that all the authorities and powers reverted to the MEC and further that new⁷ Delegations of Authority between the Executive Authority and the Head of Department will be agreed upon and be communicated to staff.

Further details on this matter will be communicated through a global platform.”

A senior PEC member said the Premier and MEC had a meeting into the ungodly hours on Tuesday about the suspension of Mosa Masinene and they could not find each other.

“Yes To and Mxo met last week and the meeting ran till the early hours but they could not agree as Makume wants his HoD suspended.”

Makume and Masimene clashed in a staff meeting over the uplifting of suspension of staff involved in the asbestos saga according to departmental staff.

Athenkosi, Media Liaison Officer at Human Settlement didn’t respond to our questions.

If you have news or tips please email news@stepupnews.Co.za or WhatsApp 0685000246