The vacant Head of Departments positions in the Free Provincial Government is allegedly causing havoc between Free State Premier; Sefora Ntombela, and the Deployment Committee of the IPC.
This followed our previous article in which we reported how Ntombela prefers Zola Thamae, acting HOD at SARC over Dan “Khusta” Khothule, former MEC of SARC, and Steve Tshabalala, Manager in the Office of MEC Mahasa.
New details have emerged that allege Ntombela is in cohorts with IPC Convenor and MEC for COGTA; Mxolisi Dukwana. The arrangement is that Ntombela gets to appoint Thamae at SARC while another Magashule critic Tshepiso “Sugar” Ramakarane gets the COGTA gig.
Ramakarane is a former Setsoto Municipality Manager and just like Steve Tshabalala, he was always critical of Magashule and many see his pending appointment as a reward for anti Magashule gang.
It has also come to our attention that Education HoD, Advocate Tsoarelo Malakoane will be moved to Social Development while Advocate Tumelo Phahlo, acting HoD at Social Development will head Police, Roads, and Transport.
According to sources Khothule will be appointed at Education due to his plan to fight Ntombela should she appoint Thamae who does not have NQF level 8 as required.
Insiders say Thamae has a teachers diploma and short courses.
What’s interesting is the outgoing COGTA HoD, Mokete Duma who sources say has teachers diploma was not shortlisted despite having 10 years experience as HoD and got a clean audit.
If this is true how was she shortlisted in the first place?
Step UP SA News has learned that Vincent Khetha, Chef Director, Cultural Affairs who was overlooked when Thamae was appointed also applied and was shortlisted but declined the interview.
But why apply only to pull out?
Among his qualifications is Public Relations Honours in Cultural Anthropology.
Is what Ntombela said last year finally happening that she will appoint women capacity or not?
These appointments are likely to be litigated and it will not be the first time as former Police, Roads, and Transport, Sipho Mtakati won against Ntombela and that judgment will be used as inference in other matters.
Ntombela and Deployment Committee could not be reached for their comments.
This is a developing story.
If you have news or tips please email us at news@stepupsanews.co.za or WhatsApp at 0685000246
1 thought on “Horse trading on vacant HODs positions as Ntombela is bound to make appointments”