DESTEA MEC Thabo Meeko
The Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) is taking steps to ensure its operations foster investor confidence. MEC Thabo Meeko has highlighted the actions being undertaken in light of recent concerns around financial misconduct within the Free State Gambling, Liquor, and Tourism Authority (FSGLTA).
This comes after the FSGLTA Board made the decision to suspend CEO Kenny Dichabe on a precautionary basis while investigations are carried out.
Thabo Meeko, the MEC for DESTEA, has underscored the board’s role as the accountable authority, tasked with upholding the stringent standards set by Sections 49/50 & 51 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). Meeko expresses his commitment to good governance, mentioning, “The board has the fiduciary responsibility to tackle allegations of financial misconduct head-on.”
With the spotlight also falling on concerns surrounding the procurement and issuance of liquor licenses, Meeko announced plans for an independent probe to ensure the integrity of these processes. This investigation aims to cover activities across the 2022/23 and 2023/24 financial years, illustrating the department’s resolve in maintaining transparency and combating corruption.
These moves are part of a broader initiative by DESTEA to improve the Free State’s investment appeal. Following a successful Free State Investment Conference, the provincial government has launched a refurbishment programme aimed at reviving state-owned factories, thereby enhancing the province’s attractiveness to both local and international investors.
Notably, the ambitious Botshabelo Industrial Park refurbishment is expected to not only retain around 18,820 jobs but potentially create an additional 5,000 positions, showcasing the Free State’s commitment to job creation and economic development. Ms. Naledi Phahlo, a beneficiary of the programme and a testament to the initiative’s impact, shared her uplifting experience, from winning the DESTEA’s 2023 Youth Business Pitching Program to expanding her business with the government’s assistance.
However, challenges such as security concerns at the industrial park highlight the need for collaborative efforts to ensure a conducive environment for businesses. Responding to these issues, Meeko assured stakeholders of steps being taken to reinforce security and foster a safe and enabling climate for industrial and economic growth.
Premier Ntate Mxolisi Dukwana’s closing remarks at the launch echoed the province’s aspirations for economic diversification and sustainable development, emphasizing a collective approach to overcoming obstacles and unlocking the Free State’s economic potential.
As the Free State forges ahead, MEC Meeko’s message is clear: integrity, governance, and a conducive investment environment remain paramount. With a record R81,5 billion in pledges from the recent investment conference, Free State is on a transformative path to uplift its communities and secure a prosperous future.
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