MEC Makume clears the air on FSGLTA CEO matter

MEC Makume clears the air on FSGLTA CEO matter

Following a WatsApp message making the rounds claiming that the CEO of the Free State Gambling, Liquor and Tourism Authority (FSGLTA) Mr Kenny Dichabe has returned to work, MEC Mr Ketso Makume said he has noted the message with concern.

The Board of the FSGLTA placed Mr Dichabe on precautionary suspension pending the investigation of allegations of financial misconduct in May this year. The investigation cover the period of two financial years from 2022/23 to 2023/24 financial years.

At the time of his suspension, Mr Thabo Meeko was the MEC for the department then and he also committed not to interfere in the investigations and legal processes.

The WhatsApp message has also dragged the Free State Premier Ms MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae into the matter.

MEC Makume has since spoken out to clear on the matter regarding the return of the CEO to work, he explained that the CEO was suspended by the board on allegations of misconduct, and Mr Dichabe approached the courts to interdict the board from disciplining him.

The MEC further explained that the court’s order was delivered on 12 September 2024 and ruled that the MEC is the authority to discipline the CEO.

As a result, MEC Ketso Makume has instituted a process to investigate allegations against the CEO, and the investigation is still underway.

Makume explained that the return of the CEO to work was not sanctioned by the Premier; his return to work is a matter that is being handled through internal and legal processes.

MEC Ketso Makume further rejected with contempt the attempt to drag the Free State Premier and his other colleagues into the matter.

“We are handling this matter within the parameters available. It is for this reason that we want to assure our stakeholders and public that we will continue working tirelessly to ensure that the entity delivers on its mandate and that service delivery is not compromised,” said MEC Makume.

Journalist

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