OFM News received confirmation from Parliament’s deputy speaker Lechesa Tsenoli that Mosebenzi Zwane was sworn in as a Member of the Parliamentary Legislature on Thursday.

Free State ANC spokesperson Thabo Meeko has since confirmed this, saying it is not yet clear when a new Agriculture MEC will be appointed:

'Thabo Meeko'

Free State Agriculture (FSA) CEO Henk Vermeulen says the organisation was shocked at the news of Zwane’s redeployment, describing it as a huge setback for agriculture and the economy of the province:

'Henk Vermeulen'

Zwane was announced as MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development in May. This came after previous MEC Mamiki Qabathe was promoted to Speaker of the Provincial Legislature earlier this year.

Provincial Government has meanwhile issued a statement announcing that Premier Ace Magashule has signed a drought disaster declaration. Magashule says drought mitigation measures are being put in place, adding that failure to adhere to these will have dire consequences for households, crops, animals and business operations. 

Measures include water restrictions, pressure and valve management and water rationing.

FSA says it has taken notice of reports about the alleged drought declaration but cannot comment on the matter until it has been made official through publication in the Government Gazette.

Sabrina Dean/OFM News