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ActionSA is deeply concerned about the shocking revelations surrounding the appointment of Jabu Mbalula as Acting Premier of the Free State. This appointment, marred by allegations of insolvency and the lack of proper vetting, highlights a gross failure in governance and accountability.

It has been confirmed that Mr Jabu Mbalula, who is also the MEC for Community Safety, Roads, and Transport, is insolvent and currently under debt administration. Despite this, he was appointed as both MEC and Acting Premier by the Premier of the Free State, with full knowledge of his financial status. Under South African law, individuals declared insolvent are disqualified from holding public office, making this appointment not only unethical but potentially unlawful.

Key Issues and Demands:

Premier’s Accountability: The Premier must explain why proper background checks and vetting were deliberately bypassed in appointing Mr Mbalula to such a sensitive and critical position. Her knowledge of his insolvency before his appointments indicates gross negligence and a disregard for the law.

Acting Director-General’s Role: Dr Molefinyana Phera, the Acting Director-General responsible for overseeing the smooth running of the Free State Provincial Government Administration, must account for this maladministration. What advice did he provide to the Premier and Acting Premier regarding background checks and vetting? As the accounting officer, he must answer for this dereliction of duty.

Reimbursement of Undue Salaries: Mr Mbalula must be removed from the Legislature list and compelled to repay the salaries he unlawfully received while holding public office. Fraudulent and unlawful financial gains cannot go unchallenged.

Ethics Register Violation: Mr Mbalula failed to disclose his insolvency status, as required under the Free State Provincial Legislature Members’ Ethics Register. This further demonstrates a lack of integrity and transparency expected of public officials.

Premier Must Be Held to Account: The Premier’s actions, or lack thereof, show a blatant disregard for her constitutional obligations. Her decision to appoint an individual with such glaring disqualifications reflects poorly on her leadership and raises questions about her fitness to hold office.

ActionSA demands immediate action to rectify this flagrant violation of governance principles. The Premier, Acting Director-General, and Mr Mbalula must be held accountable for their roles in this debacle. Governance cannot be reduced to a game of political favours, and those in power must act in the best interests of the citizens they serve.

ActionSA will continue to fight for ethical governance and accountability in South Africa. The people of the Free State deserve leaders who uphold the law and prioritise service delivery over self-interest.

Issued by ActionSA FS Chairperson Patricia Kopane