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30 January 2009

Free State Finance MEC, Tate Makgoe has announced the appointment of the seasoned and highly skilled top public servant, Dr Eugene Mokeyane as the new Free State Treasury CEO with effect from 1 February 2009.

Mokeyane was the Director-General of the Public Enterprises Department. He stepped into Mr Donald Barlow’s shoes who have served the department for 12 years. Mokeyane, the financial management guru, is widely regarded as an anchor behind the successful and award winning commercial listing of Telkom that raised R3.9 billion four years ago.

He holds a Master’s degree in Public Budgeting Systems and a PhD in Local Government Accounting Systems and Economic Development Planning from the University of Pittsburgh, USA. According to Makgoe the appointment of Mokeyane came at the time when the province is facing daunting financial challenges.

The past 14 years of his public sector experience demonstrate the appropriateness of the choice the selection committee made in appointing him to this strategic position.

Mokeyane is not new at Treasury Department. He was once a Fiscal Policy Planning Director at this department before joining the national Department of Water Affairs and Forestry as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and later as Water Services Budget Manager.

Asked how he will tackle the financial challenges facing the province Mokeyane said: “I have specific methods and tested approaches of turning the budgeting, financial management and reporting systems that will take the province towards a positive developmental trajectory.”

The elated Mokeyana, who was born in Bloemfontein, view this appointment an opportunity bestowed to him to plough back his rare and invaluable skill in a province which is in dire need of financial management skills, developmental oriented, dedicated and politically savvy public sector professionals. “I am upbeat we will turn the situation around,” he said.

Makgoe welcomed Mokeyane, a former Bloemfontein Celtic goal keeper, “back home,” saying “his humility and interest he demonstrated to serving the province is striking.”

Undoubtly, he will be a valuable asset to the provincial government and Free State public as whole. Mokeyane has an investment asset in the furniture manufacturing industry, Bravo.

He is also an active member of Mokeyane Family Development Trust which is involved in poverty alleviation initiatives to assist needy communities of Motlatla and Rooifontein near Thaba Nchu.

Enquiries:
Mr Howard Ndaba
Communication Manager
Tel: 051 405 4229
Cell: 083 291 6622
Fax: 051 405 4072
E-mail: howard@treasury.fs.gov.za

Issued by: Treasury Department, Free State Provincial Government
30 January 2009