Acceptance SPEECH BY THE NEWLY ELECTED SPEAKER OF THE FREE STATE LEGISLATURE, Honourable Mxolisi Dukwana, at the Special Sitting of the House held on the 26 June 2024, at the Fourth Raadsaal, Bloemfontein.
Hon Members, let me take this opportunity to first congratulate members of the 7th Legislature for their designation as Members of this House, sworn in on the 14th of June as well as the swearing-in of a new Member of this House earlier today.
The conclusion of swearing-in of designated members marks the beginning of a journey of many miles. Now is the time for members to assume their full responsibilities as members of this House and as servants of the people.
Our political affiliations and ideologies and our religious beliefs has serious ramifications against progress in our province, yet our Africanness should force us to stay true to our oath and affirmation.
The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa enjoins us as Members of this House to assume without delay, the responsibilities bestowed upon us by the electorate. We are joined together not by our own will, but by the will of the people. We are duty and honour-bound to fulfil these expectations of the people by promoting good governance through our established oversight mechanisms.
The outcomes of the 2024 national and provincial elections, harmonised the fabric of our political governance system in the Legislature, in a way that enhances our capacity to play oversight over the executive and ensure accountability by elected representatives.
In its truest form, this outcome empowers us to address key challenges facing our people such as high unemployment, poverty, creation of jobs and improved service delivery through effective oversight. All these responsibilities are made possible through the framework of the Constitution and legislation.
In giving effect to the Constitution, members of this House will be assigned responsibilities in committees and Household Committees. As the Speaker and the Executive Authority, my support to Members will be essential for them in discharging their constitutional responsibilities.
Importantly, the responsibilities bestowed upon all of us as Members is a collective responsibility aimed at improved service delivery to our people as a priority without unnecessary political mudslinging. Honourable Members will be granted time to perform their Constuency work, while ensuring that greater focus is dedicated to the business of the Legislature.
Deputy Speaker, let me also take this opportunity to thank my organisation, the African National Congress for entrusting me with this responsibility. I will not take it lightly. Although it has been over 20 years since I was elected Speaker in this House, it remains a familiar territory for me. It is a foregone conclusion that together, we will go through difficult phases. This knowledge, history, and experience, your support as Members and the Administration team led by the Secretary, will be a fortress in the next five years.
I look forward to working with all of you through constructive engagements and cooperation and with one common goal, to serve the people of this Province.
I THANK YOU
