By The former Premier of the Free State Mr Mxolisi Dukwana was officially sworn in as Speaker of the Free State Provincial Legislature on Wednesday after the former Speaker Ms Ntombizanele Sefuba was appointed MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation.
Some of the officials of Legislature were appointed as MECs by the newly elected Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, leaving vacancies in Legislature. The President Judge of the High Court of South Africa John Musi filled the vacancies on Wednesday.
Hon. Mxolisi Dukwana was appointed Speaker of Legislature, Hon. Nolitha Sana Ndungane was appointed Deputy Speaker, Hon. Thabo Meeko was appointed Chairperson of Chairpersons Committee and Hon. Oupa Khoabane was appointed Chief Whip of the Free State Legislature.
In his acceptance speech, Dukwana who is not new to the position, acknowledged the challenges that come with the position which includes differences in religious believes, political ideologies that can stall the progress of the work of legislature.
He urged members of the house to start with their work of serving the people of the Free State province.
The appointment of Dukwana as Speaker of Legislature serves as a thorn in the flesh of his arch enemy in the province Ace Magashule, who through his part ACT won one seat in Legislature. However, the sudden change in representation in legislature for ACT could be an indication that Magashule does not have the appetite to serve under Dukwana.
In a surprise turn of events, it is reported that Ace Magashule withdrew his membership and replaced it with Search Mkhabela.
Dukwana however urged members of legislature to unite and serve the people despite the differences they have, he said their Africanness is reason enough to be united on the concerns of their constituencies.
“In giving effect to the Constitution, members of this House will be assigned responsibilities in Portfolio Committees and Household Committees. As the Speaker and the Executive Authority, my support to Members will be essential in helping them to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.
Importantly, the responsibilities bestowed upon all of us as Members is a collective responsibility aimed at improved service delivery to our people as a priority without unnecessary political mudslinging. Honourable Members will be granted time to perform their Constuency work, while ensuring that greater focus is dedicated to the business of the Legislature,” said Dukwana.
