FORMER Free State premier Mxolisi Dukwana has been elected as speaker of the provincial legislature.
He was sworn in on Wednesday, taking over from Ntombizanele Sifuba following her recent appointment as the MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation.
Dukwana was left out of his successor Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae’s executive following South Africa’s general elections on 29 May, sparking speculation about the political future of the ANC Free State chairman.
He is familiar with his new role though, having previously served as speaker of the same provincial legislature.
“Although it has been over 20 years since I was first elected speaker in this House, it remains a familiar territory for me,” Dukwana said in his acceptance speech.
“It is a foregone conclusion that, together, we will go through difficult phases. This knowledge, history and experience, coupled with your support as members and the administration team led by the secretary, will be a fortress in the next five years.”
Dukwana said he was looking forward to working with all members of the legislature in serving the people of the Free State.
“The conclusion of swearing-in of designated members marks the beginning of a journey of many miles,” he said.
“Now is the time for members to assume their full responsibilities as members of this House and as servants of the people.
“Our political affiliations and ideologies and our religious beliefs have serious ramifications against progress in our province, yet our Africanness should force us to stay true to our oath and affirmation.
“The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa enjoins us as members of this House to assume without delay the responsibilities bestowed upon us by the electorate.
“We are joined together not by our own will, but by the will of the people.
“We are duty and honour-bound to fulfil these expectations of the people by promoting good governance through our established oversight mechanisms.”
Dukwana said the outcomes of the national and provincial elections enhanced the provincial legislature’s capacity to play oversight over the executive and ensure accountability by elected representatives.
“In its truest form, this outcome empowers us to address key challenges facing our people such as high unemployment, poverty, creation of jobs and improved service delivery through effective oversight,” he said.
“All these responsibilities are made possible through the framework of the Constitution and legislation.”
Dukwana will be deputised by Nolitha Ndungane, replacing Mantlhake Julia Maboya who resigned to take up her new role as the MEC for Education in Letsoha-Mathae’s cabinet. – Staff Reporter