Get to know Mxolisi Dukwana: from Premier to Speaker of the Free State

Mxolisi Dukwana has been a prominent figure in the politics of the Free State province for over three decades. He has held various positions and had his fair share of controversies, but he understands the effects of power. The South African politician told the Mail & Guardian in 2021,

Power corrupts. Once you get authority, people change...Leaders must be prepared to learn and must lead with common sense.

Key takeaways

• Dukwana was elected the Free State Provincial Legislature speaker in June 2024 after serving as Premier for over a year.
• The politician taught in high school in the late 1980s and early 1990s before he left the profession to work in government.
• Dukwana was elected the Free State Provincial chairperson for the African National Congress in January 2023.

Mxolisi Dukwana's profile summary

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Mxolisi Dukwana has teaching qualifications

Dukwana was born and raised in Odendaalsrus, Free State Province, South Africa. He graduated from Mphohadi College in Kroonstad with a teaching qualification. He later taught at Rearabetswe Secondary School at Kutlwanong in his hometown of Odendaalsrus for about seven years, from 1986 to 1993.

Mxolisi Dukwana has been active in Free State politics since the 1980s

Dukwana started participating in politics during the anti-apartheid struggle. In the 1980s, he was a member of the South African Youth Congress (SAYCO). He was later appointed the Commissioner of the Reconstruction and Development Programme after South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994.

Mxolisi served as a Member of the Executive Council for Education from 1996 to 1998. He was later appointed the ANC's Chief Whip in the Free State.

The politician has since held various positions, including Deputy Speaker of the Free State Legislature, MEC for Community Safety and Transport, MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, and ANC Provincial treasurer.

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Mxolisi Dukwana was previously fired from the Free State Provincial Legislature 

In 2012 Dukwana was unceremoniously fired from the Executive Council by then-Free State premier Ace Magashule. During his 2019 appearance before the Zondo Commission, Mxolisi testified that Magashule ousted him because he refused to be part of the Guptas' corrupt activities and for contesting against Ace for the position of ANC chairperson.

Dukwana returned nine years later when he was sworn in as a Member of the Provincial Legislature for the ANC in September 2021. He was also appointed as a Member of the Executive Council for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs after Premier Sisi Ntombela reshuffled her Free State executive.

Mxolisi Dukwana's ascent and descent as Free State's Premier

In January 2023, Mxolisi was elected the ANC Free State Provincial Chairperson after defeating Sisi Ntombela. He was sworn in as Free State's seventh premier a month later, in February 2023, after defeating DA Free State leader Roy Jankielsohn.

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Dukwana's reign as the Premier was short-lived after the ANC's top officials, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, decided to replace him with Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae in June 2024. He was also excluded from Maqueen's cabinet.

Mxolisi was later elected Speaker of the Free State Provincial Legislature to replace Zanele Sifuba following her appointment as the MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation.

Mxolisi Dukwana and his son accused of accepting bribes

In 2024, the CEO of New Beginnings, Patrick Phuti, accused Mxolisi Dukwana of taking bribes during his time as Free State Premier but failing to help him when his multi-million-rand road construction tender was terminated. In leaked social media messages, the local businessman wrote to Mxolisi to inquire about the matter.

I gave you cash amounting to R600 000 in Welkom before being given the project. I bought a BMW for your son...Your silence shows that you might have been part of the Mathae family who wanted me off the project. When I think about all of this, my heart breaks because I have protected you and your son from all of these things.

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Patrick previously claimed to have made substantial payments and bought lavish gifts for Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae and her husband, Mangaung Metro speaker Lawrence Mathae. The financial transactions were made during the project's tender process, which was later terminated by Maqueen. Dukwana, through his legal representative, denied the accusations.

I categorically deny these baseless accusations. I have served the Free State with integrity and will cooperate fully with the investigation to clear my name.

Where is Mxolisi Dukwana now?

Mxolisi Dukwana is still the speaker of the Free State provincial legislature. In October 2024, ActionSA revealed it was going to file charges against him alongside FS Premier Maqueen Larsoha-Mathae, Lawrence Mathae, and Patrick Phuti for their involvement in the road tender scandal. The matter is still under investigation.

Mxolisi Dukwana's biography reveals a man who has spent most of his life in Free State politics. The province is still grappling with service delivery issues and rampant corruption.

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Source: Briefly News