Dismay at new head of mining department
Low-key Free State official Thabo Mokoena named to head the Department of Mineral Resources
Cabinet has announced the appointment of a low-key Free State official, Thabo Mokoena, to head the Department of Mineral Resources, which has been without a permanent head for a year. Thursday’s move brings to three the number of leaders in the department from the Free State, all newcomers to the mining industry. The others are the minister, Mosebenzi Zwane, and the head of mineral regulation, Seipati Dlamini, who oversees the issuance of mining rights. The mining industry reacted with dismay to the appointment of Mokoena as director-general. He brings no visible mining experience and little management experience at this level. Mokoena, the secretary of the Free State legislature, has a law degree from the University of the Western Cape. He will take up the role in April, filling a position that has been occupied for a year by David Msiza, the chief inspector of mines, after the unexpected resignation of Thibedi Ramontja, who served with three ministers in the department. The Chambe...
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