Zola Thamae leading the race among three other candidates

Acting Head of Department at Sport, Arts, Recreation and Culture, Zola Thamae, is according to insiders leading the race for the vacant HOD position. 

This position became vacant when Sefora Ntombela, the Free State Province Premier decided to recall Stanley Malope from his position and keep him in the Premier’s office.

She then appointed Kutlwano Tlhakudi, Chief Director, Sport and Recreation as acting HOD till November 2021 when she was replaced by Thamae. 

Thamae who has been acting for eight months was among three candidates interviewed on Friday and is poised to be made permanent according to sources and what Ntombela said. 

In August last year Ntombela while addressing women said.

“All vacant HOD positions will be filled by women capacity or not.” 

Considering it is Ntombela’s prerogative, the appointment of Thamae will always be linked to the statement Ntombela made despite her being a leader in her own right.

The other two candidates who were also interviewed on Friday are former MEC for SACR, Dan “Khusta” Kgothule, and Manager in the Office of the MEC Mahasa, Steve Tshabalala. 

Step UP SA News has learned that COGTA Head of Department, Mokete Duma has not been shortlisted. 

COGTA received a clean audit for the very first time and the incumbent is likely to vacate the office.

In February we reported how Advocate Tumelo Phahlo, acting HOD at Social Development allegedly charged three chief directors and a director just after they have applied for the vacant position he is acting on. 

According to sources at the time three of the four charged officials have applied for his acting gig but what remains a huge dent is how Phahlo could have known when applications went straight to the Premier’s office as per legislation. 

What is also of great concern is unverified reports that Thamae is Ntombela’s preferred candidate and if you look at developments at Social Development surely it can’t be coincident that applicants who applied for the vacant position are charged just after they tendered their applications. 

This is a developing story.

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