BLOEMFONTEIN – The newly appointed Free State Government director-general, Dr Molefinyana Phera, officially resumed his five-year office tenure on Thursday, 1 January. He had been acting in the position for more than a year and this stood him in a good stead for the important position in the provincial government.
Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae announced in December the appointment of Phera to the influential position in the provincial government. His five-year term is set to run until 31 December 2030 in terms of the agreement. Letsoha-Mathae highlighted that Phera’s appointment comes with high expectations. This include strengthening governance and improving service delivery in the Free State.
“I am confident that he will lead the administrative machinery of the Free State Government towards becoming a capable, ethical, and developmental organ of state, firmly focused on serving the people with integrity and dedication,” said Letsoha-Mathae.
Phera comes with a wealth of experience in the public sector and a strong background in the legal profession. By profession, Phera is an advocate of the High Court, a Chartered Governance Professional (CGP) and a Chartered Human Resources Professional (CHRP) with current registration with the relevant professional bodies. He is an accomplished scholar in Governance and Law. Phera’s qualifications include a PhD, MA, LLM, LLB, and a BTech in Public Management, as well as university-accredited diplomas.
Phera succeeds Kopung Ralikontsane, who had a lengthy term in the powerful position.
The latter held the position from 2013 until his retirement at the end of August 2024. Ralikontsane began his term under former Premier Ace Magashule.
Phera was born and raised in the Masilo township of Theunissen. He is a proud product of a small-town upbringing and brings with him a strong background in political and trade union activism. He entered the public service in July 1994 at the age of 21, beginning his career at the entry level. As he advanced academically, he also developed organically and professionally within the ranks of the public service, serving in both the Free State and the Northern Cape.
In 2002, at the age of 28, he was appointed to his first senior management position. He has since accumulated approximately 22 years of experience in senior and executive management service.
Accepting the appointment, Phera indicated that he has answered the higher call of public service. “I humbly accept my appointment as the sixth director-general of the Free State Government since the advent of democratic governance in April 1994.”
He has committed himself to the course.
“I am ready to serve with integrity and professionalism. This is a responsibility I do not take lightly,” said Phera.
