The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) within the Free State says appointing Jabu Mbalula as performing premier is an insult to the individuals of the province. 

Jabu, the brother of African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Fikile Mbalula and MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport, was sworn in on Thursday, 14 November. He will probably be performing premier till 15 December, whereas corruption-accused premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae is on particular depart. 

EFF IN FREE STATE REJECTS JABU MBALULA’S APPOINTMENT 

In an inside memo, Letsoha-Mathae requested the manager council to assist Mbalula.

“I have appointed Mr. J Mbalula as acting premier for the Free State province for the period 15 November 2024 to 15 December 2024. Kindly provide him with full co-operation and support,” she stated.

Reacting to the appointment, the EFF stated Letsoha-Mathae had used the particular depart as a loophole to make sure that she doesn’t step down from workplace however retains her place whereas going through her corruption charges. 

The occasion stated if something, this clearly signifies the failure and incapability to undertake and apply the step apart coverage. 

The step apart rule was adopted on the ANC’s nationwide convention in 2017 the place criminally-charged leaders should voluntarily step apart and people who alleged, reported and accused of corruption face the integrity committee. 

ACTING PREMIER WAS ALLEGEDLY A GHOST WORKER

Regarding Jabu Mbalula’s appointment, the EFF stated Mathae’s resolution comes as scratching the again of Fikile Mbalula for putting in her as premier over ANC chairperson within the province Mxolisi Dukwana. 

“Jabu Mbalula was at the heart of corruption and wasteful expenditure in the financially distressed Mangaung Metro Municipality. To pick him as acting premier is an insult to the people of the Free State,” the occasion stated.

In 2022, an investigative report into the unlawful appointment of staffers within the Mangaung Metro Municipality uncovered Jabu Mbalula as one of many ghost staffers who allegedly value the council tens of millions in salaries each month whereas by no means reporting for a single day of labor.

The Citizen reported that the majority ANC cadre deployments occurred after the 2021 native authorities elections when people recognized as “skeletal staff” have been signed up, usually with out appointment letters or contracts, violating the Municipal Systems Act.

According to the report, the ghost staff acquired a complete of R2.5 million in salaries in January alone. In  March, the wage invoice shot as much as R9 million because the variety of employed staffers elevated from 125 to 165. 

DO YOU SUPPORT THE DECISION TO APPOINT JABU MBALULA AS ACTING PREMIER OF FREE STATE?

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