By The African National Congress (ANC) announced on Thursday, 13 June 2024, that, amongst other Premier candidates of other provinces, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae is the Premier elect for the Free State province; she will be the second lady Premier of the province in 15 months.
In a twist of things, the announcement though not much of a surprise to some, it was a stunt for many. Letsoha-Mathae went up against MEC Dibolelo Mance and the outgoing Premier Mxolisi Dukwana and emerged victorious as the preferred candidate for Premier in the province.
MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae was introduced into the MEC scene on 15 March 2023, as MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport; just after the resignation of former Premier Sefaro Sisi Ntombela in February 2023 who was replaced by Dukwana as Premier.
The National Officials of the ANC conducted the interviews for premiership from Monday, 10 to Wednesday 12 June 2024; the process was monitored by the ANC’s Electoral Committee led by Kgalema Motlanthe. The candidates were interviewed on a variety of issues including ethical and capable leadership, building industries and an inclusive economy amongst others.
The officials were impressed by the leaders including Letsoha-Mathae and put their names forward to become premiers in their respective provinces.
Though she was only 15 months on the scene as MEC, Letsoha-Mathae will replace Dukwana who was expected to have a second term; the curve ball threw Free Stators off and the Premier elect will be officially sworn into office today.
Judge President of the Free State Division of High Court Hon. C.J Musi will today preside over the swearing in of Members of Provincial Legislature in Bloemfontein, also the election of the Speaker of Legislature; the newly elected Speaker will preside over the election of the Deputy Speaker.
The first sitting of the seventh administration will also see the election and swearing in of the Premier.
Proceedings will start at 10am Friday, 14 June 2022.
