Free State MEC Zanele Sifuba's clash with HOD threatens Macufe

His powers may be withdrawn by controversial boss

- By Bongani Mdakane

Drama has erupted in the Free State Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation (SACR) over the Mangaung Cultural Festival (Macufe) event.

The R18-million Macufe, which hosts a series of arts events including music, poetry, theatre and comedy, is scheduled to take place early next month. However, a fierce war has erupted between SACR MEC Zanele Sifuba and her head of department, Steve Molato Tshabalala, that could scupper the popular festival.

Sifuba has threatened to withdraw the delegation of power and duties to Tshabalala, the driver behind the festival, after accusing him of not cooperating with her.

Sifuba, whose sex tape broke the internet in 2022 while she was the Speaker of the Free State Legislature, after it was leaked by her alleged Nigerian boyfriend, wrote to Tshabalala, reminding him who is the boss.

She told him that by the power vested in her, any delegation of a power or authorisation to Tshabalala “to perform a duty in terms of this section may, at any time, be withdrawn”.

The letter Sifuba signed on July 29, stated: