Premier Mxolisi Dukwana has vowed to turn the Free State around within the next 14 months by tackling corruption and maladministration within the provincial government.
Delivering his first State of the Province Address this week, he bemoaned the poor service delivery in the province due to the government’s failures.
“To address this, we call on our people to become agents of change and put their energies at the disposal of communities,” Dukwana said.
“We urge them to support our efforts to combat corruption, malfeasance and maladministration.”
Dukwana, who was inaugurated as premier last Friday after he was voted in to replace Sisi Ntombela, said his time at the helm of the provincial government was going to be characterised by decisive action.
“The period ahead will be characterised by courage and decisive action to set the Free State on a new path of development,” he said.
“This will involve a focused recruitment of capable public servants to transform our ideals into pragmatic actions.
“In the next 14 months, we shall take decisive action to make the Free State a province of choice.
“We will leverage on our location at the heart of South Africa, a reality upon which our development must be based.”
Dukwana said his government’s biggest challenge was that people in the province live in quality houses, with their children playing and learning in safe environments.
He also pointed out the need to ensure quality healthcare, while “every person has equal access to opportunities”.
“This marks the final year of this executive council’s administration in government – this year will therefore not be the same,” the premier said.
“We need a renewed sense of drive and purpose. We need to focus on things that unite us and not divide us and to realise our strengths and endless possibilities.” – Staff Reporter