As such, they are merely overseeing the day-to-day running of these departments.

The province has 11 positions for HODs. 

This is despite numerous concerns raised by members of Parliament during the National Council of Provinces’ (NCOP) recent sitting in the Free State Legislature.

During the sitting in March this year members of the NCOP cautioned the provincial government and municipalities to address the need for permanent HODs.

This warning highlights the possible lack of accountability if the situation remains unchanged.

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The departments of Cooperative Governance (Cogta); Sports, Arts and Culture; Human Settlements; Police, Roads and Transport; and Social Development only have acting HODs.

This was confirmed by Premier Sisi Ntombela’s spokesperson, Palesa Chubisi.

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However, during the debate of her office budget speech in the Provincial Legislature last month - Ntombela told Members of the Legislature that her government aims to improve accountability, transparency, and efficiency to combat and expose acts of corruption in government.

“Not only does corruption deprive the people of their livelihoods, but also worsens unemployment, poverty and inequalities. Implementation of our Fraud Prevention and Detection Plan will be intensified to instil professional and ethical conduct, and each year we ensure full compliance with financial disclosure in government. Lifestyle audits are now compulsory for public servants. All those who visibly live beyond their means will have to account for their unexplained high standard of living,” Ntombela added.

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