The Free State Government Exco Budget Lekgotla which was hosted at Kopano Nokeng lodge outside Bloemfontein this week took a rather sharp and unexpected albeit a critical turn when Kopung Ralinkontsane – the Director General of Free State Provincial Government – stuck his neck out for the heads of varying departments (HODs).
The lekgotla which is intended to pave the way for the State Of the Province Address (SOPA) which Premier Sefora Ntombela will be tabling on 28 February 2022 turned tense on Wednesday and Thursday. It’s is alleged that Ralikontsane made remarks during the EXCO planning and budgeting lekgotla program after HODS complained to him that the Hawks were harassing them.
Taking to the podium Ralikontsane, in the presence of Premier Sefora Ntombela and MECs allegedly warned HODs of taking unlawful instructions from political heads and without mincing his words, told HODs they will be the ones in trouble.
According to three independent sources,HODs were shocked but impressed with the DG.
A source who spoke on condition of anonymity says Makalo Mohale, the MEC for Department of Small Business Development, Tourism and Enviromental Affairs (DESTEA) tried to interrupt Ralikontsane.
“While DG was on the podium talking Makalo Mohale tried several times to rudely interrupt him but he continued.”
Another source said Ralikontsane who is generally calm lost it when Mohale continued his interruption.
“When Mohale continued interrupting him DG lost it after Mohale said the session was for political heads not administrators something DG did not take kindly.
The annoyed DG told him where to get off.”
According to his LinkedIn profile Ralikontsane has been a DG for 8 years, 6 months.
“He has been in government for over 20 years, Ralikontsane has proven to be a passionate and committed leader whose drive towards development sees him employ his skills to contribute effectively to the socio-economic development and an overall improvement of the lives of the people of the Free State”. Reads his profile on government website.
What is more concerning is this behavior by MECs does not seem to end nor is it being addressed by the Premier.
In November 2021 Ntombela replaced acting HOD Kutlwano Tlhakudi following a fall out between her and MEC Mahasa.
Tlhakudi’s sin according to sources was her refusal to sign off the alleged R1 million Purchase Order for unveiling of Fezile Dabi statue that sources say Mahasa picked a supplier and didn’t follow supply chain processes.
Instead of intervening Ntombela replaced Tlhakudi.
Tlhakudi was the 3rd HOD to bite the dust after Mokone Nthongoa and Stanley Malope at Social Development and SARC respectively. The common denominator was the MEC.
This puts the blame squarely on the premier as she would rather be with MECs than HODs.
In November 2021, Mpho Mokoena, the former Human Settlement HOD was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment wholly suspended by the Free State High Court for his role as the accounting officer in the prepayment of R500 million against the instructions from National Treasury.
Mokoena told Zondo Commission in 2020 that his former MEC Mosebenzi Zwane gave Mmuso Tsoametsi instructions to go ahead with a housing project despite an instruction from National Treasury.
The full article we published warning HODs in December 2021.
To all politicians who think they can pressurize HODs to carry their unlawful instructions, shame on you and please note, HODs are appointed after a rigorous recruitment process that requires qualifications and experience.
Do not abuse power given by electorate.
It’s wrong to reduce HODs into glorified PAs. Even PAs deserve respect.
Sello Pietersen, Spokesperson to the premier did not respond to our questions.
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