The Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) is the department of the Free State Provincial Government mandated to create and enable environment for sustainable growth through economic development and environmental oversight within the Free State Province of South Africa.
The vision of the Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs is to be a transformed economy and a prosperous society that is living in harmony with its natural resources.
The mission of Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs is to be a leading and developmental institution, that drives economic transformation, environmental sustainability, system change and adaptation to the ever-changing dynamics for the benefit of the Free State and its citizens through:
- The creation of a conducive environment for trade and investment, including the establishment of a progressive policy framework to promote wealth creation and equitable wealth distribution for economic transformation
- Preservation and sustainable use of natural resources
- Being a capable, ethical and responsive organisation
The department’s constitutional mandates require it to oversee and administer the following:
- Trade
- Tourism
- Casinos, racing, gambling and wagering, excluding lotteries and sports pools
- Consumer protection
- Environment
- Industrial promotion
- Nature conservation
- Pollution control
- Provincial public enterprises
- Soil conservation
- Liquor licenses and control of undertakings that sell liquor to the public
Furthermore, the department’s constitutional mandate emphasises that everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being and to have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations, through:
- Reasonable legislative and other measures that prevent pollution and ecological degradation
- Promotion of conservation
- Securing ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development
Reporting Entities
Office Bearers/Management
MEC
- Mr Moses Ketso Makume (MEC: Finance, Tourism and Economic Development) (ANC)
Head of Department
- Dr MG Nokwequ
Chief of Staff
- Mr M Dhlamini (Office of the MEC)
CFO
- Mr L Kalane
Chief Directors
- Dr TM Mokoena (Research and Planning)
Directors
- Mr B Bosch (Acting: Supply Chain Management)
- Mr DJ Hagen (Strategic Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation)
- Mr M Lechalaba (Customer Care Unit)
- Mr GT Lekutle (Economic Planning)
- Ms Bathabile Madela (Outreach)
- Ms C Mahlaba (Risk Management)
- Mr T Makhele (Acting Chief: Integrated Economic Development)
- Ms M Matsie (Regulatory System and Stakeholder Management)
- Ms M Mokalobe (Environmental Planning and Coordination)
- Ms M Mokone (Internal Audit)
- Mr J Mosia (Research)
- Mr MJ Motsetse (Management Accounting)
- Ms PL Ngqeza (Enterprise Development)
- Ms KM Ntsala (Environmental Empowerment Services)
- Mr TT Radikeledi (Consumer)
- Ms PA Rantekane (Finance)
- Mr M Sehularo (Enterprise Development SBD)
- Mr T Selemela (OHRD)
- Mr T Sibeko (Tourism Support and Development)
- Ms M Tlale (Human Resource Management)
Senior Management
- Mr M Dlamini (Office Manager: MEC)
- Adv R Pitso (Office Manager: HOD)
Communications Officers
- Mr David Maduna (Media Liaison Officer)
- M Mphapang (Head: Communications)
Secretary
- Ms Nolukhanyo Smit (Personal Assistant: MEC)
Contact Details
The contact details of the Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs are listed in the table below.
| Physical Address: | 113 St Andrews Street, Bloemfontein, 9301 |
| Postal Address: | Private Bag X20801, Bloemfontein, 9300 |
| Telephone: | 051 404 9600 |
| Email: | info@destea.gov.za |
| Website: | www.destea.gov.za |
