By Opposition party the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Free State says it has all intention to push for a vote of no confidence against the Free State Premier Ms MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae should she be officially criminally charged.
According to Dr Roy Jankielsohn, the DA Leader in the province, they have reliable information from a source within the African National Congress (ANC) that Letsoha-Mathae has been forced to take leave pending advanced criminal investigations against her and her husband, Cllr Lawrence Mathae, the Council Speaker of Mangaung Metro on allegations of corruption.
Jankielsohn says the Democratic Alliance has noted the swearing in of an acting Premier of the Free State Province, the MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport, Mr Jabu Mbalula, who has less than six months experience as an MEC.
As the dark cloud hangs over the head of the Premier, the DA added more pressure in October 2024, when they drafted and submitted an affidavit to the South African Police Services (SAPS) Directorate of Priority Crimes (HAWKS) regarding allegations of serious corruption against her and her husband made by a roads contractor in the province.
“If the Premier is formally charged, the DA will consult with other opposition parties in the Free State Legislature to bring a motion of no confidence against her. Whether due to job-related pressure causing medical conditions or due to criminal charges, it is doubtful that the Premier will serve a full term.
The DA remains committed to ensuring sound, transparent and accountable governance in the provincial government through our role as the official opposition in the Free State Legislature,” said the DA Leader Dr Roy Jankielsohn.
The Provincial Government has since refuted the notion that Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae is on forced leave due to investigations against her. The Provincial Government affirmed that she is on medical leave and has appointed MEC Mbalula as Acting Premier while she recuperates.
