“It’s not true to say I lied under oath” – MEC of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation

Staff reporter

Bloemfontein – The Member of Executive Council for Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation in Free State, Zanele Sefuba says she didn’t lie under oath after her answer about the celebrations of Freedom Day event held in Thaba Nchu, Free State was leaked.

The event, according to WhatsApp texts was spearheaded by Steve Tshabalala, Head of Department and Mxolisi Dukwana, erstwhile Premier.

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

Sefuba who at the time of the event was the speaker of legislative, ought to have at least:

• Seen videos of the empty Mmabana stadium
• Heard the audio of Steve Tshabalala taking full responsibility in a meeting with Mahasa and Dukwana
• Know artists have been paid

In response to questions by Dr Roy Jankielsohn of the Democratic Alluiance (DA) MEC SACR: Ms. N Sifuba said the event did not take place.

Dr Roy: In view of the 2024 Freedom Day event held in ThabaNchu:

1. What amounts were paid for this event per line item and who were the respective service providers per item?
2. Who authorised this event to take place on (a) political and (b) administrative levels?
3. Did the money spent follow the necessary legally required procurement processed? If not, (a) why not, (b) who approved the expenditure and (c) what remedial action will be taken against individuals involved?
4. In view of the allegations that the funds for this event came for the Sports Confederation:
   a. Who authorised this from the confederation?
   b. Why did the money come from the confederation?
   c. What were the total amounts applicable from the Federation?

SEFUBA’s RESPONSE 12/07/2024

I would assume that the HOD would implement as instructed by the MEC.
As I have indicated above, I was told that no money was spent as per HOD and SCM.
(a) N/A
(b) N/A
(c) N/Adid meet with SCM and they corroborated the response of the HOD that nothing was spent for the event

1. I was told that no money was spend as the event did not take place.
2. I still have to meet with The Finance Directorate of the Department.
3. This was a Freedom Day event, and events are ordinarily authorized by the MEC and implemented by HOD.
4. That allegation was refuted by the HOD, as it was impossible for it to happen that way.
5. N/A
6. N/A

It’s now public that MEC Mahasa had nothing to do with the event let alone approving.

LISTEN: Tshabalala takes full responsibility of the Freedom Day event mess and another MEC goes MIA on the departmental event, will Dukwana act?

Zanele Sefuba, MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation said her response to the question is “ACCORDING” to the report.

“Firstly let us appreciate the fact at that I assumed my duties at the Department on 24th June. Secondly whenever I respond to this question I always state that “ACCORDING” to the report I get. So it is not true to say I lied under oath. Thirdly I have forwarded the questions to the HOD to respond to and he will do so.”

In a follow up question about the report regardless of where it comes from, it must be scrutinised, Sefuba said her HOD will respond.

Follow up Question: I am sure you will agree that a report regardless where it comes from must be scrutinised so when you respond, the response is factual.

There is no way service providers would have decided to go to Thaba Nchu on their without anyone from department engaging them but nonetheless, thank you Mme.

Response: “The HOD will respond to you. Please wait for his response.”

Roy Jankielson of the DA said they are concerned that replies from Mahasa and Sefuba are misaligned.

“We are concerned that the replies from the MEC appear not to be aligned with those of the former MEC and media photographs.

“We will follow this up in the portfolio committee with the MEC and HOD who are under oath.”

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