Sedimo, Mabiletsa front- runners to replace Kemoeng

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Friday June 22, 2012 00:00

 

The post attracted huge interest with 85 candidates reportedly applying, but only two, Sedimo and Mabiletsa remain in the race after some rigorous screening.

BNSC chairperson, Solly Reikeletseng said the process to appoint a new boss should be concluded soon. He said there have been delays as the Minister of Sport, Youth and Culture, Shaw Kgathi, who has received the two names, is out of the country.

'It (the announcement) should be made soon. We are having a meeting this Saturday (tomorrow). The minister, as you might be aware, has been away in China and that is why the two names have not gone to cabinet,' said Reikeletseng, who refused to name the two candidates.

Cabinet is expected to approve one name, effectively ending a five-month search for a person to replace Kemoeng who departed under a cloud. Sources close to developments point to a tight race between Sedimo and Mabiletsa with no outright favourite.

Sedimo, in terms of administration, is the more prominent of the two, but Mabiletsa, sources said, might be favoured.

Reports of bad blood between Kgathi and Sedimo have been rubbished by sources close to the two, but still Mabiletsa might just shed the DSR chief for the job.

Kgathi and Sedimo worked together when the minister was the DSR boss.

'Kgathi takes advice from Sedimo and contrary to widely held belief that the two are not in good books, they seem to get on well,' said the source. The new executive secretary is expected to walk a tight rope against a backdrop of reportedly high staff turnover at the BNSC and rife feuding.

'Some employees at the council are still aligned to Kemoeng, while there is another camp loyal to Reikeletseng and some board members who forced Kemoeng out. The situation is still volatile and the challenge for the incoming executive secretary will be to stabilise relations,' a source said.

Kemoeng left the BNSC after 21 years of service following the arrival of Reikeletseng as chairperson. Reports of sharp differences between the two immediately emerged, forcing Kemoeng to quit.