Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae vs Masechaba Sesing, the Head of Department (HOD) for Health
By Thabo Mosia
Bloemfontein, 25 June 2025 – Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae has demoted Masechaba Sesing, the Head of Department (HOD) for Health, to a new role in the Premier’s Office as Head of Local Government Monitoring and Co-ordination (Deputy Director General) , effective 1 July 2025. This decision follows a Public Service Commission (PSC) report from November 2023, which recommended disciplinary action against Sesing for alleged misconduct during her time at the Provincial Treasury. The move comes after Sesing lost a court challenge to overturn the report, paving the way for the Premier to act swiftly.
Who Is Masechaba Sesing? A Career of Highs and Lows
Masechaba Sesing is a respected name in Free State governance. A qualified chartered accountant, she has a strong background in financial management, having worked on international audits for the United Nations (UN) and African Union (AU). She also served at the Auditor-General of South Africa before taking the helm at the Free State Provincial Treasury. For seven years as Treasury HOD, Sesing delivered three consecutive clean audits—a rare achievement that showcased her ability to manage public funds effectively.
In November 2024, Sesing was transferred to the Department of Health, a move that surprised many given her success at Treasury. Some saw it as a demotion, while others believed her financial skills could help fix the struggling Health Department. The department faces severe challenges, including staffing shortages, crumbling infrastructure, and budget constraints. Sesing’s expertise was a potential game-changer, but her tenure has now been cut short by legal and disciplinary woes.
The PSC Report: Allegations That Sparked the Storm
The trouble started during Sesing’s time at Treasury. The PSC, a body responsible for ensuring good governance, investigated two allegations of misconduct against her. The main issue was her alleged interference in the hiring of a Director of Fiscal Policy in April 2023. The PSC claimed Sesing made an unprocedural phone call to the Selection Committee Chairperson, improperly influencing the process.
In its November 2023 report, the PSC cleared Sesing of one allegation but found her guilty in the second case. It labelled her actions “unlawful and unprofessional,” though it noted she didn’t aim to push a specific candidate. The report accused her of breaking public service rules and undermining fair recruitment, recommending disciplinary steps. Sesing rejected the findings, arguing she acted within her rights as HOD. Despite her defence, the report damaged her standing and set the stage for a legal fight.
Sesing’s Court Battle: A Bid to Clear Her Name
Determined to challenge the PSC report, Sesing turned to the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein under case number 990/2024. On 20 February 2024, she launched a two-part application. Part A sought an urgent interdict to stop the Premier from acting on the report, while Part B aimed to have the report reviewed and scrapped. Sesing claimed the PSC overstepped its authority, its process was unfair, and she wasn’t given a proper chance to respond.
Part A was resolved earlier and is now under appeal at the Supreme Court of Appeal. The key ruling came on 27 May 2025, when Justice Mhlambi decided Part B. Sesing’s lawyers, Rampai Attorneys, argued the report breached the Public Service Act and the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, calling it “ultra vires” and “irrational.” They also filed a joinder application to include Sesing as a second applicant in her personal capacity.
Court Ruling: Sesing’s Defeat Opens the Door for Discipline
The High Court rejected Sesing’s case entirely. Justice Mhlambi ruled: “The applicant has failed to establish that the PSC report is reviewable on any of the grounds set out in the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act. The report is not ultra vires, and the PSC acted within its mandate.” The judge found the PSC’s process fair and its conclusions sound.
The joinder application also fell apart due to a legal tangle over Rampai Attorneys’ authority. After Sesing’s transfer to Health in November 2024, the new Treasury HOD, Ernest Mohlahlo, challenged their mandate. He wrote to them: “Should you decide to continue acting as attorneys for the Department of Provincial Treasury, despite this correspondence, you can accept that you do not have my Department’s instruction to so act, you will be acting at the frolic of yourselves.” Sesing tried to reappoint Rampai Attorneys in April 2025, but the court ruled their authority ended with her transfer.
On 30 April 2025, the Treasury, now represented by Motaung Attorneys, withdrew the main application, leaving the joinder bid dead in the water. Justice Mhlambi concluded: “The attorneys’ firm, Rampai Attorneys, were not authorised to act on behalf of the applicant after Ms Masechaba Sesing was transferred to another department.” The joinder was dismissed with costs, marking a decisive loss for Sesing.
Premier’s Response: From Suspension Threat to Demotion
On 28 May 2025, just one day after the ruling, Premier Letsoha-Mathae moved fast. She sent Sesing a letter threatening suspension and asking for reasons why she shouldn’t be sidelined based on the PSC report. But instead of suspension, the Premier opted for a demotion, transferring Sesing to her office as Head of Local Government Monitoring and Co-ordination, effective 1 July 2025.
In her letter, the Premier wrote: “I take this opportunity to thank you for the amicable manner in which we engaged in the discussion about my intention to once again transfer you, within a short space of time. You will agree with me that the Office of the Premier must play a central role in monitoring and evaluation of all local government interventions we have in place, as well as the existence of a need to strategically co-ordinate these interventions from the centre of government.” She cited Section 154 of the Constitution, which calls on provinces to support municipalities, and framed the move as a chance for Sesing to use her skills in a new way.
The Premier confirmed the transfer happened “with your consent,” though the timing and context suggest it was a disciplinary step rather than a voluntary shift. This rapid action has raised eyebrows, with some seeing it as a sign of the Premier’s resolve to tackle misconduct.
Political Fallout: A Pattern of Clashes with HODs
This isn’t the Premier’s first clash with a senior official. Two months ago, she suspended Public Works HOD Musa Masimene, only to lose in court when he fought back. That case left her facing contempt of court charges, fuelling criticism of her leadership style. Now, her quick move against Sesing—barely 24 hours after the court ruling—has reignited debate.
The Premier’s office defends her actions, with a spokesperson saying: “The Premier is duty-bound to act on the recommendations of the PSC, an independent constitutional body.”
Download Here:
Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Central-News-Issue-112.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
_________
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
#centralnewsza #news #politics