Dr Mahlatsi returns after settlement but his position given to a bod member

Staff member

Bloemfontein – The appointment of Dr Kennedy Mahlatsi and Advocate Moferefere Dhlamini as a researcher and company secretary respectively, at Free State Gambling, Liquor and Tourism Authority Board has been met with shock by employees at the troubled tourism body.

Both Mahlatsi and Dhlamini started on the 1 August 2025, as per an email from Ami Molefi, acting manager Human Resource.

“We are pleased to announce the appointment of the following employees at FSGLTA:

Advocate Moferefere Solomon Dhlamini – company secretary (Office of the CEO)
Dr Lehlohonolo Kennedy Mahlatsi – researcher (Office of the CEO)

Mahlatsi was dismissed by FSGLTA together with Papi Magashule and Bafana Mashinini in December 2023 over issuing of fraudulent liquor licences.

He reached a settlement last month at the CCMA and returned to the authority albeit to a different position.

Interestingly, CCMA ruled in favor Papi Magashule and ordered he returns to work with back pay but the authority took the matter on review.

CCMA rules in favor of Magashule, orders for reinstatement and back pay

Dhlamini on the other hand was a board member of FSGLTA and Chief of Staff in the office Toto Makume, MEC responsible for the same authority.

Insiders say Dhlamini who is now 59 was given a 5 years contract with a whopping salary of R1.6 million, an alleged increase of R700.000 from what his predecessor earned.

Governance flaws at the institution were laid bare last year when the Free State high court ruled the bod can not suspend the Kenny Dichabe, forger CEO and only the MEC has that right, after the bid led by a convicted criminal suspended Dichabe.

The financial statement paints a glaring picture of state of affairs.

Ami Molefi, acting Manager Human Resource didn’t not respond to our questions.

If you have news or tips please email news@stepupsanews.co.za or WhatsApp 0685000246