By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) Free State chairperson and former premier Mxolisi Dukwana has been elected speaker of the provincial legislature unopposed.
Fullview previously reported that Dukwana was tipped to replace Zanele Sifuba as the Speaker of the Legislature. Dukwana initially declined to accept the role.
Last week Sifuba was appointed as the new MEC for Sports, Arts, and Culture, shortly after being re-elected as the speaker.
Her resignation from the speaker position has paved the way for the election of Dukwana as the new speaker.
The process was overseen by the Judge President of the Free State High Court, Cagney Musi, as designated by the Chief Justice following Section 111 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.
Notably Dukwana was absent from the list of the newly appointed executive under new premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae.
Letshoha-Mathae has appointed Ketso Makume as MEC for Finance, Tourism and Economic Development, Dibolelo Mahlatsi as MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Nokwanje Selina Leeto for Social Development, Dr Mantlhake Julia Maboya as education MEC, Cosatu Provincial Secretary Monyatso Viceroy Mahlatsi as MEC for Health, Elizabeth Cornelia Rockman as MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs, Jabu Ntsokolo Mbalula as MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport, Teboho Mokoena as MEC for COGTA and Human Settlements, and Sifuba as MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation.
The were internal conflicts, as factions within the party vied for strategic positions, further complicating the appointment process.
Judge Musi also administered a solemn oath or affirmation to the designated member who missed the first sitting on 14 June, during the swearing-in of members of the 7th Provincial Legislature.
A notable absentee from the initial sitting was former ANC Secretary-General and current leader of the African Congress of Transformation (ACT), Ace Magashule. Magashule was attending his controversial R255 million asbestos case on the day of the sitting.
He, however, was vocal about his intentional absence, alleging electoral fraud.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has ranked the state of service delivery in the Free State amongst the worst performing provinces. The commission held a week-long enquiry where all municipalities were invited to account on service delivery.
According to the outcome of the enquiry, municipalities struggle with refuse collection, water and housing provision, as well as bad roads. The commission says poor service delivery deprives people of their dignity and basic human rights.