Staff reporter
Bloemfontein – The ousted Premier of the Free State and current chairperson of the African National Congress (ANC), Mxolisi Dukwana is to be blamed for his sacking, these are the views of at least three sources from Luthuli House.
Dukwana, replaced Sefora Ntombela as Premier in February 2023, following his win at the Provincial Conference held at Imvelo Lodge came short in his second attempt after the national elections on the 29 May 2024.
While many wondered why Dukwana who led the province to an outright win of 52% was removed compared to Dr Zamani Saul, Northern Cape Premier, and Panyaza Lefusi, Gauteng Premier who both got 49% and 36% respectively, now details of how Dukwana performed have been shared.
According to sources at Luthuli House Dukwana didn’t sound like he prepared.
“Comrade Mxolisi didn’t prepare for the interviews, he didn’t sound like he prepared.”
Another source said he thought he had it in the bag.
“Dukwana thought he had in the bag and took things for granted, he was all over and fluffed most of the time.
He couldn’t even articulate the ANC manifesto for the 7th administration.”
He was shortlisted together with Joyce Mathae, the current Treasurer General of the African National Congress Women’s League, and Dibolelo Mahlatsi, the deputy provincial secretary. Mathae was announced as the candidate for Free State and subsequently elected as Premier.
Mathae caused a stir on Sunday when she told SABC NEWS that she would direct officials in the provincial government to implement measures to prevent dogs from attacking people.
Out of all the problems facing Free State, “dog safety” remains her priority.
Last year, she met with contractors of her department and threatened to terminate their contracts if they didn’t plow back. Whatever that means.
In the coming weeks, we will focus and zoom on the Premier about her tenure at Community Safety, Police and Roads among others:
- how a law graduate was shortlisted for a position that requires engineering as core,
- the contents of the meeting she had with HoD, acting CFO and Deputy Director SCM on the 22 May 2024,
- the pending suspension of Steve Tshabalala,
- her funders and
- more importantly, how the Mathaes acquired so much wealth in such a very short space of time.
Mxolisi Dukwana, former Free State Premier could not be reached for a comment.
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