Kotsoane, who passed away on Sunday (30/3), was a stalwart of public service in South Africa. His contributions spanned across multiple portfolios, including Local Government and Housing, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, and Safety and Security.

Kotsoane’s tenure as MEC was marked by his unwavering commitment to improving local governance, public safety, and housing. He served as MEC for Local Government and Housing from 1996 to 1999 and again from 2004 to 2005. Additionally, his tenure as MEC for Environmental Affairs and Tourism (1999–2001) and MEC for Safety and Security (2001–2004) solidified his reputation as a dedicated public servant.

Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae praised him as someone who was “steadfast in his mission to rebuild local governance, enhance public safety, promote environmental responsibility, and ensure equitable access to housing and services”.

Special provincial funeral

She expressed her gratitude for President Ramaphosa’s decision to grant Kotsoane a special provincial funeral, further emphasising the late MEC’s lasting impact on the province and the country as a whole.

ANC Free State mourns the passing of Cde Itumeleng William "Benny" Kotsoane.

Cde Benny Kotsoane represented the African National Congress (ANC) in the Free State Provincial Legislature from 1994 to 2006 and he was also the ANCFS former Deputy Provincial Chairperson from… pic.twitter.com/Qo29qEJSK0

— ANC Free State (@ANCFS) April 2, 2025

The funeral service will take place at the Kaizer Sebothelo Arena in Botshabelo, beginning at 08:00. Since news of his passing, condolences have poured in from various quarters of society.

This morning, Free State MEC for Cogta, Saki Mokoena, remembered Kotsoane as a “servant of the people” who contributed significantly during the struggle against apartheid, particularly in the Botshabelo area. Mokoena, who worked closely with Kotsoane in his final role as an adviser on local government issues, expressed deep sorrow.

“Mr Kotsoane, when he passed on, was an adviser to myself in relation to matters of local government, and he will be buried tomorrow in Botshabelo.”

DA leader in the Free State, Roy Jankielsohn, also paid tribute to Kotsoane. He extended his condolences to Kotsoane’s family, friends, and colleagues, adding, “We also hail his contributions that he made bringing about democracy in the Free State, the role that he played in the executive committee after ’94.”

Beyond his political roles, Kotsoane made significant contributions to housing policy in South Africa. He served as Director-General in the Department of Housing under Minister Lindiwe Sisulu during President Thabo Mbeki’s tenure. 

In this role, Kotsoane was instrumental in the implementation of the Breaking New Ground (BNG) housing policy, which sought to shift South Africa’s housing focus from basic shelter provision to the development of integrated and sustainable human settlements.

Kotsoane’s influence extended beyond the corridors of government. He was a founding member of the Southern Free State Civic Congress, which later aligned with the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO). 

Additionally, he chaired the Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA) and oversaw several other housing entities, ensuring that the principles of dignity, access, and equity remained at the heart of housing delivery in South Africa.

In recognition of his enduring contributions to the Free State and the nation, pres. Ramaphosa has instructed that the national flag fly at half-mast in the Free State province on the day before Kotsoane’s funeral and remain at half-mast until the evening of the service.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg