By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – Free State premier Mxolisi Dukwana has placed the MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Limakatso Mahasa, on special leave, effective 15 May 2024.
According to the acting head of communication in the Free State Provincial Government (FSPG) Setjhaba Maphalla, this decision follows a meeting of the Premier and the MEC on May 9, 2024, where it was discussed and became clear that the MEC was regularly absent from work without leave, which was causing a huge leadership gap in the department.
Furthermore, the failure of the Thaba Nchu Freedom Day event of May 4 2024, which brought the department, and by extension, the FSPG into disrepute, is another case in point which has led the Premier to take this decision.
The Premier has thus also further requested written representations from the Head of Department (HoD), Steve Tshabalala, on what transpired, with regards to the Freedom Day event, and why he too, should not be placed on special leave for failure to perform his duties diligently, as the Accounting Officer.
Suspended Sports ,Arts, culture and recreation MRC Limakatso Mahasa.
The provincial government says the premier is not and cannot be involved in any perceived irregularities regarding the event, hence his request for a full report of what transpired.
Placing the MEC on special leave, has enabled the Premier to appoint Makalo Mohale as acting MEC, Makalo Mohale, for the remainder of the month, to provide immediate leadership and stability to the department, while other necessary investigations and processes unfold.
Good and exellent