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Executive Council of the Free State

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The Executive Council of the Free State is the cabinet of the executive branch of the provincial government in the South African province of the Free State. The Members of the Executive Council (MECs) are appointed from among the members of the Free State Provincial Legislature by the Premier of the Free State, an office held since May 2024 by Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae of the African National Congress (ANC).

Direko premiership: 1999–2004

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Winkie Direko was elected as the Free State's third Premier in the 1999 general election. She reshuffled her Executive Council on 28 June 2001, firing three MECs: Tate Makgoe, Anna Buthelezi-Phori, and Casca Mokitlane.[1]

Free State Executive Council 1999–2004
Post Member Term Party
Premier of the Free State Winkie Direko 1999 2004 ANC
MEC for Finance Zingile Dingani 1999 2004 ANC
MEC for Health Mantsheng Tsopo 1999 2004 ANC
MEC for Education Papi Kganare 1999 2004 ANC
MEC for Agriculture Mann Oelrich 2001 ANC
Tate Makgoe 1999 2001 ANC
MEC for Tourism and Environmental and Economic Affairs Sakhiwo Belot 2001 2004 ANC
Benny Kotsoane 1999 2001 ANC
MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport Sekhopi Malebo ANC
MEC for Local Government and Housing Lechesa Tsenoli 1999 2004 ANC
MEC for Safety and Security Benny Kotsoane 2001 2004 ANC
Casca Mokitlane 1999 2001 ANC
MEC for Social Development and Welfare Beatrice Marshoff 2001 2004 ANC
Anna Buthelezi-Phori 2001 ANC
MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture, Science and Technology Webster Mfebe 1999 2004 ANC

Marshoff premiership: 2004–2009

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Beatrice Marshoff was elected Premier in the 2004 general elections; her new Executive Council was sworn in on 3 May 2004.[2] In April 2005, over the course of two weeks, Marshoff announced two wide-ranging reshuffles in which three MECs – Ace Magashule, Itumeleng Benny Kotsoane, and Benny Malakoane – were sacked and others changed portfolios.[3] In August 2007, in another reshuffle, Magashule was returned to the cabinet and another MEC, Playfair Morule, was removed; several other MECs also changed portfolios.[4]

In January 2008, Mxolisi Dukwana was appointed as MEC for Public Safety and Security and Mamiki Qabathe was appointed MEC for Agriculture.[5][6] In October that year, both changed portfolios, along with two other MECs, in a reshuffle affecting four portfolios but involving no sackings.[7] In February 2009, Dukwana additionally took on, in an acting capacity, the education portfolio, after Education MEC Casca Mokitlane resigned and defected from the ANC ahead of the 2009 general election.[8]

Free State Executive Council 2004–2009
Post Member Term Party
Premier of the Free State Beatrice Marshoff 2004 2009 ANC
MEC for Finance Tate Makgoe 2005 2009 ANC
Playfair Morule 2004 2005 ANC
MEC for Health Sakhiwo Belot 2004 2009 ANC
MEC for Education Casca Mokitlane 2007 2009 ANC
Mantsheng Tsopo 2004 2007 ANC
MEC for Tourism, Environmental and Economic Affairs Mxolisi Dukwana 2008 2009 ANC
Neo Masithela 2005 2008 ANC
Benny Malakoane 2004 2005 ANC
MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport Seiso Mohai 2004 2009 ANC
MEC for Agriculture Neo Masithela 2008 2009 ANC
Mamiki Qabathe 2008 2008 ANC
Susan Mnumzana 2007 2008 ANC
Casca Mokitlane 2005 2007 ANC
Ace Magashule 2004 2005 ANC
MEC for Local Government and Housing Joel Mafereka 2005 2009 ANC
Benny Kotsoane 2004 2005 ANC
MEC for Public Safety, Security and Liaison Ace Magashule 2008 2009 ANC
Mxolisi Dukwana 2008 2008 ANC
Zanele Dlungwana 2007 2008 ANC
Playfair Morule 2005 2007 ANC
Tate Makgoe 2004 2005 ANC
MEC for Social Development Mantsheng Tsopo 2007 2009 ANC
Zanele Dlungwana 2004 2007 ANC
MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture Mamiki Qabathe 2008 2009 ANC
Ace Magashule 2007 2008 ANC
MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture, Science and Technology Susan Mnumzana 2005 2007 ANC
Joel Mafereka 2004 2005 ANC

Magashule premiership

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First term: 2009–2014

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On 11 May 2009, following his election as Premier in the 2009 general election, Ace Magashule announced his new Executive Council, which included six new appointments; in addition, the names of four departments were changed.[9] In February 2011, Magashule announced a reshuffle in which four MECs changed portfolios and in which responsibility for rural development was moved from the public works portfolio to the agriculture portfolio.[10] In June of that year, he appointed Butana Komphela to replace Thabo Manyoni as MEC for Police, Roads and Transport; Manyoni had left the provincial government to become Mayor of Mangaung.[11]

Magashule effected two further reshuffles before the end of the provincial legislature's term. In February 2012, he fired Economic Development MEC Mxolisi Dukwana and replaced him with Mamiki Qabathe; Olly Mlamleli was appointed to the Executive Council to take over Qabathe's former portfolio.[12][13] In March 2013, Magashule fired Finance MEC Seiso Mohai, replacing him with Elzabe Rockman, and appointed Benny Malakoane to fill the vacancy in the health portfolio that had arisen after Fezi Ngumbentombi's death in December 2012; Qabathe also swopped portfolios with Msebenzi Zwane.[14][15]

Free State Executive Council 2009–2014
Post Member Term Party
Premier of the Free State Ace Magashule 2009 2014 ANC
MEC for Finance Elzabe Rockman 2013 2014 ANC
Seiso Mohai 2009 2013 ANC
MEC for Health Benny Malakoane 2013 2014 ANC
Fezi Ngumbentombi 2011 2012 ANC
Sisi Mabe 2009 2011 ANC
MEC for Education Tate Makgoe 2009 2014 ANC
MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Msebenzi Zwane 2013 2014 ANC
Mamiki Qabathe 2012 2013 ANC
Mxolisi Dukwana 2009 2012 ANC
MEC for Police, Roads and Transport Butana Komphela 2011 2014 ANC
Thabo Manyoni 2009 2011 ANC
MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Mamiki Qabathe 2013 2014 ANC
Msebenzi Zwane 2011 2013 ANC
MEC for Agriculture Mamiki Qabathe 2009 2011 ANC
MEC for Public Works and Rural Development Fezi Ngumbentombi 2009 2011 ANC
MEC for Public Works Sisi Mabe 2011 2014 ANC
MEC for Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements Olly Mlamleli 2012 2014 ANC
Mamiki Qabathe 2011 2012 ANC
Msebenzi Zwane 2009 2011 ANC
MEC for Social Development Sisi Ntombela 2009 2014 ANC
MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation Dan Kgothule 2009 2014 ANC

Second term: 2014–2018

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Pursuant to his re-election in the 2014 general election, Magashule announced his new Executive Council on 29 May 2014. He made only limited changes, replacing Dan Kgothule with Mathabo Leeto as MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation and replacing Sisi Mabe, who became Speaker of the provincial legislature, with Sam Mashinini as MEC for Public Works. He also added small business development to Msebenzi Zwane's economic development portfolio.[16][17]

In May 2015, Magashule announced the first reshuffle of his second term, occasioned by the departure of Mamiki Qabathe, who succeeded Mabe as Speaker.[18] In September 2015, Zwane, who had replaced Qabathe in the agriculture portfolio in the May reshuffle, was sworn into the National Assembly to become national Minister of Mineral Resources; he was replaced in the Executive Council by Oupa Khoabane.[19] In October the following year, Magashule announced a wide-ranging reshuffle, occasioned by the departure of Mlamleli, who had been elected Mayor of Mangaung in the local government elections in August; Limakatso Mahasa was the only new appointment made, although the reshuffle affected five portfolios.[20][21]

Free State Executive Council 2014–2018
Post Member Term Party
Premier of the Free State Ace Magashule 2014 2018 ANC
MEC for Finance Elzabe Rockman 2014 2018 ANC
MEC for Health Butana Komphela 2016 2018 ANC
Benny Malakoane 2014 2016 ANC
MEC for Education Tate Makgoe 2014 2018 ANC
MEC for Economic and Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Benny Malakoane 2016 2018 ANC
Sam Mashinini 2015 2016 ANC
Msebenzi Zwane 2014 2015 ANC
MEC for Police, Roads and Transport Sam Mashinini 2016 2018 ANC
Butana Komphela 2014 2016 ANC
MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Oupa Khoabane 2015 2018 ANC
Msebenzi Zwane 2015 2015 ANC
Mamiki Qabathe 2014 2015 ANC
MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure Dorah Coetzee 2015 2018 ANC
Sam Mashinini 2014 2015 ANC
MEC for Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements Sisi Ntombela 2016 2018 ANC
Olly Mlamleli 2014 2016 ANC
MEC for Social Development Limakatso Mahasa 2016 2018 ANC
Sisi Ntombela 2014 2016 ANC
MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation Mathabo Leeto 2014 2018 ANC

Ntombela premiership

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First term: 2018–2019

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Sisi Ntombela was sworn in as Premier in March 2018; she succeeded Ace Magashule, who had resigned to take up the position of ANC Secretary-General. Although she initially retained all of Magashule's MECs, she announced a reshuffle on 9 May 2018.[22] Five portfolios were affected, but no MECs were fired; indeed, because Ntombela's promotion had left a vacancy in the Executive Council, one new MEC, Montseng Tsiu, was appointed. In the same reshuffle, responsibility for human settlements was transferred from the cooperative governance and traditional affairs portfolio to Dorah Coetzee's public works and infrastructure portfolio.[22]

Free State Executive Council 2018–2019
Post Member Term Party
Premier of the Free State Sisi Ntombela 2018 2019 ANC
MEC for Finance Elzabe Rockman 2018 2019 ANC
MEC for Health Montseng Tsiu 2018 2019 ANC
Butana Komphela 2018 2018 ANC
MEC for Education Tate Makgoe 2018 2019 ANC
MEC for Economic and Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Limakatso Mahasa 2018 2019 ANC
Benny Malakoane 2018 2018 ANC
MEC for Police, Roads and Transport Sam Mashinini 2018 2019 ANC
MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Benny Malakoane 2018 2019 ANC
Oupa Khoabane 2018 2018 ANC
MEC for Public Works, Infrastructure and Human Settlements Dorah Coetzee 2018 2019 ANC
MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure Dorah Coetzee 2018 2018 ANC
MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Oupa Khoabane 2018 2019 ANC
MEC for Social Development Butana Komphela 2018 2019 ANC
Limakatso Mahasa 2018 2018 ANC
MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation Mathabo Leeto 2018 2019 ANC

Second term: 2019–2023

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Ntombela was elected to a full term as Premier in the 2019 general election and she announced her new Executive Council in late May.[23] On 1 October 2021, she announced a reshuffle affecting three portfolios, in which Sam Mashinini was fired.[24] She resigned as premier in February 2023.[25]

Free State Executive Council 2019–2023
Post Member Term Party
Premier of the Free State Sisi Ntombela 2019 2023 ANC
MEC for Finance Gadija Brown 2019 2023 ANC
MEC for Health Montseng Tsiu 2019 2023 ANC
MEC for Education Tate Makgoe 2019 2023 ANC
MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Thembeni Nxangisa 2021 2023 ANC
William Bulwane 2019 2021 ANC
MEC for Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Makalo Mohale 2019 2023 ANC
MEC for Police, Roads and Transport William Bulwane 2021 2023 ANC
Sam Mashinini 2019 2021 ANC
MEC for Public Works and Human Settlements Motshidisi Koloi 2019 2023 ANC
MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Mxolisi Dukwana 2021 2023 ANC
Thembeni Nxangisa 2019 2021 ANC
MEC for Social Development Mamiki Qabathe 2019 2023 ANC
MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation Limakatso Mahasa 2019 2023 ANC

Dukwana premiership: 2023–2024

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On 14 March 2023, Dukwana appointed his Executive Council.[26]

Free State Executive Council 2023–2024
Post Member Term Party
Premier of the Free State Mxolisi Dukwana 2023 2024 ANC
MEC for Finance Gadija Brown 2023 2024 ANC
MEC for Health Mathabo Leeto 2023 2024 ANC
MEC for Education Makalo Mohale 2023 2024 ANC
MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Saki Mokoena 2023 2024 ANC
MEC for Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Thabo Meeko 2023 2024 ANC
MEC for Police, Roads and Transport Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae 2023 2024 ANC
MEC for Public Works and Human Settlements Dibolelo Mahlatsi 2023 2024 ANC
MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Ketso Makume 2023 2024 ANC
MEC for Social Development Motshidisi Koloi 2023 2024 ANC
MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation Limakatso Mahasa 2023 2024 ANC

Lesotha-Mathae premiership: 2024–present

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Following the 2024 provincial election, Dukwana was replaced as premier with Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae. She announced her executive council on 20 June 2024.[27]

Free State Executive Council 2024–present
Post Member Term Party
Premier of the Free State Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae 2024 Incumbent ANC
MEC for Finance, Tourism and Economic Development Ketso Makume 2024 Incumbent ANC
MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure Mathabo Leeto 2024 Incumbent ANC
MEC for Social Development Mathabo Leeto 2024 Incumbent ANC
MEC for Education Mantlhake Maboya 2024 Incumbent ANC
MEC for Health Monyatso Mahlatsi 2024 Incumbent ANC
MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs Elzabe Rockman 2024 Incumbent ANC
MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport Jabu Mbalula 2024 Incumbent ANC
MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements Saki Mokoena 2024 Incumbent ANC
MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation Zanele Sifuba 2024 Incumbent ANC

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Direko axes three MECs". News24. 29 June 2001. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
  2. ^ "Marshoff names new Free State council". IOL. 3 May 2004. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  3. ^ "Free State premier demotes another minister". The Mail & Guardian. 20 April 2005. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  4. ^ "B Marshoff on reshuffle of Free State Provincial Government Executive Council". South African Government. 7 August 2007. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  5. ^ "Profile of the MEC". Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
  6. ^ "Profile of the MEC". Department of Agriculture & Rural Development. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
  7. ^ "FS reshuffles cabinet". News24. 23 October 2008. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  8. ^ "Free State Education on appointment of Acting Education MEC M Dukwana". South African Government. 17 February 2009. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
  9. ^ "Free State provincial ministers announced". The Mail & Guardian. 11 May 2009. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  10. ^ "Magashule Shuffles MECs" (PDF). Premier of the Free State. 4 February 2011. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  11. ^ "'Chuene friendship' costs Komphela dearly". Sunday Times. 12 June 2011. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  12. ^ "Premier reshuffles Free State Executive Council". South African Government. 22 February 2012. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
  13. ^ "Free State reshuffle political – DA". News24. 23 February 2012. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  14. ^ "Magashule sacks Free State finance MEC". News24. 12 March 2013. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  15. ^ "Cabinet reshuffle". Bloemfontein Courant. 20 March 2013. Retrieved 10 January 2023.
  16. ^ "Magashule announces his cabinet". OFM. 29 May 2014. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
  17. ^ "New faces in FState executive". Drum. 29 May 2014. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
  18. ^ "Ace reshuffles cabinet". Bloemfontein Courant. 6 May 2015. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
  19. ^ "New MEC for agriculture appointed". News24. 23 September 2015. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
  20. ^ "Premier Ace Magashule on Free State Executive Council reshuffle". South African Government. 4 October 2016. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  21. ^ "Magashule reshuffles Cabinet". News24. 3 October 2016. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  22. ^ a b Makhafola, Getrude (9 May 2018). "Free State Premier Sisi Ntombela reshuffles Cabinet". IOL. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  23. ^ "Premier Sisi Ntombela: Announcement of Free State Executive Council". South African Government. 28 May 2019. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  24. ^ Khumalo, Juniour (1 October 2021). "Mxolisi Dukwana appointed Free State Cogta MEC, Sam Mashinini fired as Transport MEC". News24. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  25. ^ "Free State Premier Sisi Ntombela resigns". SABC News. 21 February 2023. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  26. ^ OFM. "Dukwana's Exco: Out with the old, in with the new". OFM. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
  27. ^ OFM. "Women dominate Free State Premier's executive council". OFM. Retrieved 1 July 2024.