Issued by: Gauteng Provincial Government
1 October 2000
Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa appointed head of the provincial housing department, Mogopodi Mokoena as the new Director General in the Office of the Premier. He fills the post that has been vacant since former DG Lulamile Mbete left to join the Department of Correctional Services in May this year.
Mokoena - who has experience in various fields, ranging from financial management and auditing to policy development, strategic planning, programme management and general management - commences his new duties in the Office of the Premier on Monday 2 October 2000.
Herewith Mokoena's profile.
MOGOPODI MOKOENA
DIRECTOR GENERAL - OFFICE OF THE PREMIER
GAUTENG GOVERNMENT
Mogopodi Mokoena was born on 26 March 1964. He completed his secondary education in 1982 at Tshepo-Themba High School in Residentia.
In 1983 Mokoena enrolled for a Bachelor of Commerce degree with the University of the North. He was forced to abandon his studies in 1986 because of detention under the state of emergency and persistent harassment by the apartheid regime's security forces for his involvement in politics.
Mokoena's determination to study commerce saw him enrolling with the University of South Africa for the same degree in 1987 while in detention.
He completed the degree in 1990. He is currently working towards a post-graduate degree in commerce with Unisa.
Mokoena's employment history started in 1989 when he was appointed Assistant National Accountant for the Congress of South African Trade Unions. In 1991
he joined the National Education Co-ordinating Committee where he held the post of National Accountant and later moved to the auditing firm, Douglas and Velcich.
In 1994 Mokoena joined the Johannesburg City Council as an Internal Auditor.
He was later seconded to the Gauteng Department of Housing and Local Government where he served on the Strategic Management Team - an advisory body to the MEC. A year later he was appointed as the Housing Department's Director of Strategic Management.
The Greater Johannesburg Northern Metropolitan Council, recognising Mokoena's financial management skills, appointed him Strategic Executive: Finance (City Treasurer) in 1996. He held the position until April 1998 when he was appointed as head of the Gauteng Department of Housing.
Mokoena has experience in various fields, ranging from financial management and auditing to policy development, strategic planning, programme management and general management.
For inquiries contact Thabo Masebe at 082 410 8087