Ntombela’s spokeperson, Sello Pietersen, says the decision was made to strengthen the premier’s current executive committee. Mashinini’s axing coincides with the ascension of Mxolisi Dukwana from fierce political detractor to MEC of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta). 

This appointment is reportedly meant to address dysfunction at Free State municipalities and resulted not only in the removal of Mashinini but in the shifting of Thembeni Nxangisa and William Bulwane to other portfolios namely: Agriculture as well as Police, Roads and Transport. Pietersen says Ntombela’s decision to appoint Dukwana as Cogta MEC was due to his vast experience in governance. 

 The decision to reconfigure and strengthen the provincial cabinet, was made following “careful analysis, extensive consultation and thorough scientific assessment of the prevailing conditions in the Free State by the Premier” explains Pietersen. 

A statement released by Ntombela’s office reveals Dukwana was officially sworn-in as a Member of the Executive Council (MEC) on Friday by Judge Phillip Loubser at the Bloemfontein High Court. 

Dukwana “is no stranger to the Executive Council of the Free State, having served previously as MEC for Education, MEC for Safety and Community Liaison as well as MEC for Tourism, Environmental and Economic Affairs, in previous administrations of government. Dukwana has also previously served as the Speaker of the Free State Legislature” concludes the statement on the newly appointed Cogta MEC. 

Interestingly, Ntombela and Dukwana who both occupy seats on the Free State ANC’s Interim Provincial Committee, will be joined by Deputy ANC President, David Mabuza, in a local government election campaign to be held in Bloemfontein on Saturday beginning just after 10:30 am. 

The electioneering comes three days after the duo negotiated with members of the Mangaung Service Delivery Forum who were threatening to hold a mass shutdown in Bloemfontein, Botshabelo, Thaba’ Nchu, Dewetsdorp, Wepener, and Soutpan should Mangaung go ahead with their glitzy launch of the metro police department. 

 OFM News