On March 26, 2024, a significant milestone was reached in the formalization of structured engagements between the Free State Provincial Legislature (FSLP) and the South African Local Government Association (Salga) as they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The signing ceremony took place at the Speaker’s boardroom in the Free State Legislature, marking the culmination of nearly 5 years of efforts to formalize their relations through the MOU. This achievement was made possible by the initial meeting between SALGA and FSL leadership in 2019, resulting in SALGA’s inclusion in the Rules and Orders of the FSLP.

The signing of the MOU signifies the formalization of their relations in written form, aiming to establish a consistent approach for SALGA’s involvement in the legislative, oversight, and public participation processes of the FSLP. By aligning these efforts, SALGA’s participation will be coherent and impactful across various governance areas within the FSL.

The event was attended by notable figures including the Speaker of the Free State Legislature, Hon. NB Sifuba, Deputy Speaker Hon. L. Mapena, SALGA Provincial Chairperson Cllr. Bongani Mathae, Secretary to the Legislature Mr. MJ Machaka, Acting Director of Operations Ms. Emily Kuzwayo, Director of Legal Services Ms. Connie Sefo, Senior Advisor for IGR and Strategic Relations Ms. Zanele Madadasana, and Manager in the Office of the Speaker Mr. Mashome Zondo

Free State Legislature Celebrates Human Rights Day 2024

To All Media Houses 21 March 2024
Bloemfontein – The Speaker of the Free State Legislature, Honourable Zanele Sifuba, joins all South Africans in commemoration of the Human Rights Day 2024. The 21st of March 1960 and in particular the events of Sharpeville in which the police released fire on marchers, killing 250 is a significant one in the history of our country. It takes us back to a time, not too long ago, when the majority of people in South Africans were actively oppressed on a daily basis. On that fateful day, 69 people died and 180 were wounded when police fired on a peaceful crowd that had gathered in protest against the Pass laws. This day marked an affirmation by ordinary people, rising in unison to proclaim their rights. It’s an iconic day in our country’s history that today we call Human Rights Day, reminding us of our rights and the price paid for us. As we celebrate Human Rights Day we should remember and acknowledge the great strides and progress made towards achieving a democracy based on non-racialism and non-discrimination. South Africa has included indivisible human rights in our own Bill of Rights, Chapter 2 of our Constitution. Our Constitution can only be changed by two-thirds majority in Parliament, which guarantees the basic rights of a citizen. Legislature’s role in Human Rights Day is guided by the values and principles of the Constitution. The Legislature seeks to represent and empower the people, and to facilitate meaningful and active involvement of civil society in its processes. The Constitutional mandate of the Legislature is to pass laws and oversee the executive action. Legislature must ensure that democratic processes become well-known and that they reach all citizens of our province and that the civil liberties of every citizen are maintained. As South Africans we should still remember that the fight still continues towards achieving economic empowerment and eradicate triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality. This includes the uneven wealth distribution amongst different racial and gender groups. In that regard as we celebrate and commemorate the day, let us continue fighting towards economic emancipation of all South Africans through exercising our right to freedom of expression and vote in the coming general elections. Without all these rights, South Africans cannot fully enjoy life as envisaged by the Constitution.

“To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.” – Nelson Mandela