WhatsApp texts and voice notes between Mahasa and Dukwana paint a toxic environment

Staff reporter

Bloemfontein – The suspension of Limakatso Mahasa, MEC for Sport, Arts, Recreation, and Culture in Free State has lifted a lid on what could be another state capture in the province.

Mahasa who has been a MEC for SARC in the 6th administration was placed on special leave and the scapegoat of the flop of the century, Freedom Day Celebrations in Thaba Nchu, a venue allegedly chosen by Premier, Mxolisi Dukwana without even discussing it with MEC.

The event, aimed at celebrating the gains of democracy started trending on social after Free State World shared videos online showing artists performing on empty chairs.

According to a letter dated 7 May 2024 in possession of this publication, written to Steve Tshabalala, HoD, by Mahasa asking for a report on what transpired, that action sealed her fate and had a bullet with a name on it.

Two days later, on 9 May 2024, Mahasa, Dukwana, and Tshabalala met according to a voicenote Mahasa sent seeking advice to a person named Zola.

That voice note debunks the narrative portrayed by Dukwana in his letter to Mahasa that it was agreed that Mahasa would take special leave.

According to the voicenote Dukwana asked Mahasa to write a letter to him asking to take special leave and this is supported by a WhatsApp text from Mahasa to Dukwana informing him she won’t be able to submit the letter as she was consulting with her legal advisors.

The screen munch shows Dukwana called Mahasa after reading that text to which Mahasa didn’t pick up but rather texted “I am still busy with consultations.”

What is also interesting is that Mahasa, had unblocked Dukwana on WhatsApp before sending that text and why would a Premier be blocked by his MEC?

Scrutiny of texts between Mahasa and Tshabalala shows Dukwana discussed everything with Tshabalala and when Mahasa asked Tshabalala questions as MEC, she would be told to engage the Premier who would not even respond to Mahasa.

Today marks 9 days since Dukwana asked Tshabalala to show course why he should not be suspended for the flop of the century, this despite departmental staff telling Dukwana that Tshabalala didn’t communicate anything with them and the same Tshabalala, in the presence of Dukwana allegedly took full responsibility.

But Premier uses Mahasa as a scapegoat while he knows he played a huge role in the mess.

This is the Premier who started his tenure with a cleaning campaign and that could not even last 2 months.

Mahasa’s letter to Tshabalala asking for reports and allegations of appointing service providers without following processes still needs to be answered.

A few months ago we reported on how Free State Education spent over R10 million on three events with companies tied to friends of politicians getting the contracts, one prominent company in that list of companies that quoted the department but never got any contract is Sonaqua, we did mention how this company is suddenly the go-to company in the province.

This is the same company that got the job for Freedom Day celebrations and Mahasa questioned how it got the tender.

But we will get back to Sonaqua and how much this company has made since the Imvelo Cartel took over.

Mahasa is also asking about the R8 million Premier League project that had no benefit to ordinary citizens and the Macufe Golf Tournament.

Between Mahasa and Dukwana, someone is lying and only the minutes of the meeting held on 9 May 2024 will prove who is lying between the two.

If you think something will happen to Tshabalala, think again, not because he is not found wanting but because he is their faction.

Tshabalala is not only close ally slot Dukwana but also a very close friend of the motormouth Provincial Secretary, Polediso “50 000 Jobs For The Youth” Motsoeneneng who said their leadership is a product of fraud and fired Thembeni Nxangisa via a WhatsApp text.

The writing against Mahasa was always on the wall when Motsoeneng hinted that during campaign trail.

WATCH:

Motsoeneng allegedly used his position while working at Ministry of Policeto influence not only SAPS but NPA to go after Magashule in cohorts with another ANC leader in the province who has been warmly rewarded with a position somewhere.

What could be the motive for Dukwana to deal directly with HoDs?

Unverified information is the Premier held a meeting with HoDs few weeks ago and asked them “to help” but what we are also investigating is an official in the office of the Premier collecting money saying it’s for the Premier.

In some instances this official sent WhatsApp texts to officials and service providers.

Leading up to elections we will look at what the Premier has achieved since assuming office including his MECs.

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