Current Edition >> Archives Section >> Gesels by die koffietafel >> July 2008
This time is sit down to chat with a seasoned and well-known public servant in the Free State Dept. of Tourism, Environmental & Economic Affairs, Thabo Motsohi. In the span of about a decade, this man remained a stalwart in public service, his integrity unblemished..
But to get the picture in perspective, we start at the beginning and ask him where his roots are -
I was born at Frankfort, where I also started schooling, and later moved to Bethlehem, where I matriculated at Tiisetsang High School.
Tertiary training? I attended the University of the North at Sovenga as it was then known and obtained my BComm degree.
Where and when started career? I facilitated the establishment and teaching of commercial subjects at the Thaba Thokoza Secondary School at Bethlehem in the 80's. I joined the then Small Business Development Corporation, Bethlehem branch, where I was appointed SMME Manager. There I specialised in SMME development, especially funding and non-financial support.
When did you join the DTEEA? With the advent of the new constitutional dispensation, I joined the then provincial Dept. of Economic Affairs in 1995. In my capacity there, I was involved in pioneering a regulatory framework for economic activities in the province, especially consumer affairs and liquor administration. I assisted in establishing the first Consumer Court for the Free State as well as the Liquor Board, currently I am responsible for Tourism development.
Give us in a nutshell an overview of your career in the DTEEA up to now? Later when the Department became the Dept. of Tourism, Environmental and Economic Affairs I participated in the establishment of Seda in the Free State and in the process became responsible for the entire portfolio of economic development. In 2007 I was assigned responsibility of managing the tourism development portfolio.
What are your personal basic guidelines in executing your functions as a public servant? Dedication in pursuit of requisite knowledge to execute assignments and commitment to improve service delivery. I also believe that people should develop competencies as opposed to mere acquisition of skills.
What are the favourite past times of Thabo Motsohi when he's not on official duty? Regular exercising to keep healthy and fit. Also reading – I just finished the book E-Myths Revisited by Michael Gerber. I also like watching films and DVDs from the video shop.
Family-wise? I have a loving wife, Selloane, as well as two daughters and a son, the eldest daughter Lebohang has finished B.Comm IT(UFS) and an Executive Management Programme in Project Management (UNISA), Neo has completed B.Comm Accounting at the University of Pretoria and is now doing her honours, while Katleho, the son, is busy with his second year B.Comm (Economics) at the University of Cape Town.
Favourite food? I like simple food, preferring a good lamb stew with vegetables. I also like African cuisine.
Music? I'm a great jazz fan.
Slogan in life? Ensure that those close to you work hard for good things in life. Children must become the best that they can be.
Personal goals still to be achieved? To see my children become better people than I am. Also to leave them a legacy to carry out my dream.
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