Dr Mbulelo Nokwequ will be leaving the department on 1 January to pursue new opportunities outside the provincial administration. He has served the department for a decade, including seven years as the head of department, said finance, economic development and tourism MEC Ketso Makume.

Makume paid tribute to Nokwequ’s leadership, describing him as a “dedicated and committed” public servant who has guided the department in delivering on its mandate, including attaining the clean audit report for the 2024/25 financial year.

Makume extended well wishes on behalf of the provincial administration. “We wish him well in his new endeavors and to continue contributing to the strategic implementation of the key priorities of the seventh administration.

“It was indeed a great learning experience to work with Nokwequ. I don’t have any doubt that the people and entity whom he is joining are going to benefit from the wealth of experience he has. Once more, we wish him well and hope to benefit from his new endeavors, as it is not a complete departure from the economic development family.”

The provincial government held a farewell event on Monday (8/12), a close and intimate gathering attended by senior government officials. Alongside Nokwequ, the provincial government also honoured another administrator, Dr Takisi Masiteng (agriculture and rural development), and Godfrey Mahlatsi, who served as HOD for treasury and health.

Acting director-general Dr Molefinyana Phera reflected on the contributions of the outgoing administrators, acknowledging their legacy within the Free State government. He remarked they are fountains of wisdom from which people will continue to draw.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh