This as another MEC from a different portfolio, Mamiki Qabathe, was initially appointed as the acting MEC in Mashinini's position, until the 18th of June. 

READ MORE: Ntombela effects FS cabinet changes

The EFF provincial chairperson, Mandisa Makesini, has called on the Free State premier, Sisi Ntombela, to respond to these questions. She alleges that currently Mashinini and Qabathe are both on the payroll of this portfolio. Concerns are that taxpayers continue to fork out money to pay the two MECs every month. 

Previously, Ntombela's office had announced that Mashinini was on sick leave.

"The Free State provincial government seems to be playing with the people of the Free State. The premier is exposing herself and not showing decisive leadership. In the last Legislature sitting, a question posed to MEC Mashinini could not be responded to, even though he was present in the sitting," Makesini adds. Makesini says the premier must answer to the question whether Mashinini has been suspended or not.

In October 2020, the DA requested Ntombela to remove Mashinini from his duties as the MEC following a damning Public Protector report.

Busisiwe Mkhwebane, in her investigation on a complaint lodged by the DA in 2016 regarding the manner in which former Premier Ace Magashule and Mashinini replied to questions about the funeral costs of the former MEC and the appointment of Letlaka Communications in the Premier's Office, found Mashinini guilty of misleading the Legislature. 

READ MORE: Ntombela must remove Mashinini - DA

Ntombela's spokesperson, Sello Pietersen, has previously told OFM News that Ntombela was not thinking of effecting any changes to her provincial government by reshuffling MECs.

This after rife speculation that Ntombela was on the path to reshuffle her executive council (Exco).

READ MORE: FS ANC refutes cabinet reshuffle

Meanwhile, Pietersen told OFM News that Mashinini is still the MEC and will hit the ground running as soon as he is well.

OFM News