By 
Planned sitting for the Free State Legislature could not go ahead due to the missing Mace which forms a critical part of the proceedings on Tuesday, 3 December 2024.
Following the unfortunate incident, the Office of the Speaker clarified the matter and said the Speaker; Hon. Mxolisi Dukwana has noted the regrettable incident which resulted in the Plenary not being able to convene.
According to Mr Jongi Ndakana, the Spokesperson of the Free State Legislature, the Mace is a critical component that makes part of all sittings was unreachable at the time that the sitting was set to take place.
“It is important that our communities understand that the Mace affords legislative authority for the Speaker to continue with the proceedings of the house and makes part of the components that declare a sitting official. Though this crucial item was within the precinct, it was inaccessible since the staff member responsible for the safe had travelled on official duty.
The Office of the Speaker condemns this erroneous matter with the contempt it deserves and will take the lead in ensuring that appropriate action is taken. The integrity of the House and its legislative work within the province should never be affected by avoidable logistical occurrences and the executive authority wants to take into confidence the communities it serves that measures will be put in place to ascertain that this error does not occur again,” said Ndakana.
