The women of our province have a proud record of being in charge of successful cooperatives and they intend to assist many more such women, said Premier Maqueen Letsoha Mathae during the announcement of her executive council.

The Members of the Free State Executive Council for the seventh administration were announced on Thursday (20/6) at the OR Tambo House in Bloemfontein.

The members, consisting of five women and four men, comprise nine executive council members. The Free State premier is also female.

The Free State Executive Council for the 7th administration. Picture: Facebook/FS Provincial Government

“The team I am announcing today reflects our commitment to addressing key priorities of our government, enhancing public service and ensuring a sustainable future for all our people,” said Letsoha-Mathae.

“Each member brings a wealth of experience, commitment, and a shared vision for the prosperity of our province.

“My vision for the province is to see young people being developed, to see a reduction in the unemployment rate in this province, to see more young people going back to school making sure they change their lives,” she said.

Some of the MECs at the announcement. Picture: Facebook/FS Provincial Government

The Members of the Executive Council are as follows:  

1. MEC for Finance, Tourism & Economic Development – Ketso Makume

2. MEC for Public Works & Infrastructure –  Dibolelo Mahlatsi

3. MEC for Social Development –  Mathabo Leeto

4. MEC for Education –  Mamiki Maboya

5. MEC for Health – Monyatso Mahlatsi

6. MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs –  Elzabe Rockman

7. MEC for Community Safety, Roads & Transport –  Jabu Mbalula

8. MEC for COGTA & Human Settlements – Teboho Mokoena

9. MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture & Recreation –  Ntombizanele Sifuba  

This year’s council is reduced by one member.

The portfolio of Finance and Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs was merged together to form one portfolio called Finance, Tourism & Economic Development.

The Director-General at Free State Provincial Government,  Kopung Ralikontsane (left), and Free State Premier, Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae. Picture: Facebook/FS Provincial Government

The previous premier’s executive council was:

1. MEC for Finance - Gadija Brown

2. MEC for Health - Mathabo Leeto

3. MEC for Education - Makalo Mohale

4. MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development - Vacant

5. MEC for Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs - Thabo Meeko

6. MEC for Police, Roads and Transport - Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae

7. MEC for Public Works and Human Settlements - Dibolelo Mahlatsi

8. MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditi onal Affairs - Ketso Makume

9. MEC for Social Development - Motshidisi Koloi

10. MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation - Limakatso Mahasa

“This Executive Council is constituted of men and women who are dedicated to serving the people of the Free State with integrity, transparency, and responsiveness to the needs of our people,” said Mathae.

“This administration shall be about fighting corruption, building an ethical state, and providing quality services to our people.”

Ntombizanele Sifuba was elected as speaker of the Free State Legislature on Friday (14/6) and has resigned from her position to join the executive council as MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture & Recreation.

Ntombizanele Sifuba joins the executive council as MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture & Recreation. Picture: Facebook/FS Provincial Government

Deputy Speaker of the Free State Legislature Mamiki Maboya also resigned and was appointed as the MEC for Education.

The swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed executive council will take place on Sunday (23/6) at 11:00 at the OR Tambo House in Bloemfontein.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cg