Staff reporter
Bloemfontein – In yet another questionable decision by Joyce “Pretenders” Mathae, Free State Premier has reappointed Dr Solomon Phera as acting Director General of Free State Provincial Governmen.
Dr Phera replaced Dr Mafole Mokalobe whose tenure ended on the 31 August 2025, as reporters in the forged letter scandal.
It’s the second stink for Dr Phera whose previous tenure (September 2024 to February 2025) was clouded with questionable decisions.
Dr Phera also appointed his friend, Mohlamme Makhathe as per the documents in our possession.
In December 2024, Office of The Premier had two CFOs in Sello Martins and Khopotso Moahlodi till January 2025.
Before his tenure ended, Dr Phera appointed Tshidi Setai, spokesperson for Mathae to act as Chief Director, her acting ended on the 31 August 2025, miraculously he allegedly did not support the submission for acting to be extended.
As a result, Office of The Premier does not have Head of Communications.
According to insiders, Dr Phera second bite at acting started on the 15 September 2025 and will come to an end on the 28 February 2026 or when the post is filled.
He is currently chairing a disciplinary hearing of Muhammed Ismail, suspended Chief Director: Fleet who has been on suspension since 15 August 2023, on full pay. Let that sink in.
Interestingly, on the 23 May 2023, Dr Phera met with reps from Special Investigating Unit(SIU), Public Service Commission (PSC), Public Protector (PPSA) and Hawks where he presented an outlook on suspensions and disciplinary actions in FSPG.
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