Staff Reporter
Bloemfontein – The appointment of Dr Moeketsi Mosola as CEO of MAP Strategic Economic Zones by Free State Premier Maqueen “Pretenders” Mathae has raised serious questions about governance and transparency.
The Premier’s office issued a media statement yesterday (Tuesday) confirming the appointment, although the news had already surfaced earlier this week through circulating messages by Tshidi Setai whose communication with Polediso Motsoeneng and Thabo Meeko also leaked.
The message by Setai referenced the State of the Province Address (SOPA) delivered on 28 February 2026, where the Premier indicated that the appointment of a Strategic Economic Zone CEO would be prioritised under the 7th Administration.
However, at the time of SOPA, Mosola had already been approached with an offer, which he declined in January, raising concerns about the timeline presented publicly.
Sources claim that Mosola only accepted the position after the initial offer of R1.8 million was increased to approximately R2.2 million.
The initial package was proposed by Dr Solomon Phera, who was appointed as Director-General in December after competing in the same recruitment space as Mosola.
Insiders say that Mosola was later offered the CEO position despite not applying or being formally interviewed.
Attempts to obtain clarity from the Office of the Premier were unsuccessful.
Spokesperson Mpho Sikisi did not respond to questions regarding the recruitment process, legal framework, and basis of the appointment.
Below are the questions sent to Sikisi:
- Was the position advertised?
- When was it advertised?
- What act was used to appoint him?
- Why is he announced by Premier not MEC or FDC board?
- How did he perform in the DG interviews?
- Will a reasonable person be wrong to assume he is being compensated after being overlooked?
- Was he overlooked?
Similarly, MEC for Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA), Ketso Makume, had not responded to questions at the time of publication.
Below are the questions sent to Makume:
- Why is his appointment announced by Office of The Premier?
- Is the appointment linked to Premier’s message during SOPA as per Setai’s text on WhatsApp?
- Was the position advertised?
- When?
- Where?
- In light of PSR regulations announced last week by President Ramaphosa, shouldn’t this be made by HOD?
Information available to STEPUPSANEWS indicates that the position had previously been advertised in April 2025, further deepening concerns after Mosola’s appointment to a role he did not apply for.
This is a developing story as SEZ falls under FDC where the wife of Prof Brian Nakedi was appointed by Mathae as a board member.
Anyone thinking of taking this appoint to PSC, think again. O kase tlalehe thokolosi ho moloi.
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