Africa-Press – South-Africa. The ANC in the Free State has confirmed that Mxolisi Dukwana will be its preferred candidate when the provincial legislature convenes on Thursday afternoon to elect a new premier.
During a media briefing on Thursday, ANC Free State spokesperson Jabu Mbalula said the party in the province welcomed “the elimination of two centres of power”.
After Premier Sisi Ntombela’s resignation, Dukwana is now set to take over.
“The ANC in the province welcomes the communication of the suitability of comrade Mxolisi Dukwana as the premier-elect by the ANC. This will bring stability through the elimination of the two centres of power in our province,” said Mbalula.
Mbalula confirmed that, following the party’s provincial lekgotla, it had communicated its wish to Luthuli House to redeploy Ntombela and consolidate power under Dukwana as the newly elected provincial chairperson.
The DA announced that it would be fielding its Free State leader, Roy Jankielsohn, as a premier candidate to challenge Dukwana during Thursday afternoon’s special sitting of the legislature.
“The Democratic Alliance caucus will today, during a special sitting of the Free State legislature, be fielding the leader of the opposition, Dr Roy Jankielsohn as a candidate for premier.
The DA caucus has full confidence that Jankielsohn has the necessary experience and qualifications to turn the Free State around, from a failed state to a prosperous, open, and opportunity-driven province,” reads a statement by the DA.
However, this is likely to be a futile exercise as the ANC enjoys a majority in the Free State Legislature. The DA said its provincial leader was the most qualified premier candidate.
Of the 30 seats, the ANC has a comfortable advantage with 19 seats compared to the DA’s six, the EFF has four, and the Freedom Front Plus has one seat.
The Constitution calls for a secret ballot when electing a premier. The DA called on all members of the legislature, irrespective of political affiliation, to vote with their conscience and not on a “narrow political basis”.
“It is time to put politics aside and put the people of the Free State first,” reads the statement.
A vacancy was created after Ntombela’s resignation was announced on Tuesday. She had resisted efforts to persuade her to leave after Dukwana was elected chairperson.
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