-Staff Writer/ Mon, 16 March 2026
The ANC Youth League(ANC-YL) in the Free State has called for the immediate removal of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation MEC Ntombizanele Sifuba over a controversial R3,2 million payment.
The youth league made the call on Monday, saying it was deeply worried about reports of an alleged irregular payment made to a private company by the Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation.
Reports suggest the payment was processed without proper procurement procedures, sparking a fierce dispute between the department’s political leadership and its head of department. The drama has already led to the suspension of a senior official.
The ANCYL says the situation shows a serious failure of governance and could damage the reputation of the department.
The league also warned that public money must be handled according to the Public Finance Management Act and supply chain management rules.
“The people of the Free State, especially young people, cannot accept a situation where departments meant to drive development are caught up in battles over questionable tenders,” the youth league said.
The organisation has now urged Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae to remove Sifuba from office while a full investigation into the R3,2 million tender dispute takes place.
ANCYL Free State spokesperson Thenjiwe Zapi said the youth league will continue to push for accountability in how public funds are used.
News Junction (Gold Standard)
