Head of Department
Mr. M.E Mohlahlo
On 07 July 2025, the Free State Health welcomed Mr. Ernest Mohlahlo as its new Accounting Officer. His appointment follows a distinguished tenure at the Free State Treasury from 2024 to 2025. A highly experienced and accomplished manager, Mr. Mohlahlo has risen through the ranks in both provincial and municipal government. His extensive background in finance and infrastructure project management makes him exceptionally qualified to lead the Provincial Health Department.
Mr. Mohlahlo began his journey at the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure as Deputy Director-General (DDG) on 20 August 2018. Two years later, on 01 October 2020, he was appointed Head of Department (HOD) after acting in that role. He was then appointed as the Head of Department at the Free State Treasury in 2024.
Before transitioning to provincial government, he held key financial leadership positions in municipal administration. He served as:
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Mangaung Metro Municipality (six years).
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Fezile Dabi District Municipality (five years).
- Manager: Supply Chain & Expenditure at Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality (four years).
- Educational Background & Professional Credentials
Mr. Mohlahlo holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management from the University of Stellenbosch, an MBA from the University of the Free State, and an Honours Degree in Financial Accounting from UNISA. He also obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of the Free State and a Diploma in Public Finance. A trained accountant, he completed his articles at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
Board & Committee Leadership
Mr. Mohlahlo has served as Chairperson and Member on various Boards and Audit Committees across municipalities, government departments, and public entities. He was also a Board Member and Director of the Institute of Municipal Finance Officers (IMFO). Additionally, he holds the Certified Director designation from the Institute of Directors in South Africa.
Notable Achievements
His leadership has been marked by a commitment to clean governance and financial excellence. Among his key achievements:
- Four consecutive unqualified audit reports at the DPWI.
- Three consecutive unqualified audit reports at Mangaung Metro Municipality.
- Three unqualified audit reports at Fezile Dabi District Municipality.
- SMEC 2016 Project of the Year Award (Asset Management Implementation).
- 2016 Clean Administration Award (IMFO – Most Improved Municipality).
- Led Mangaung Metro Municipality to its first A3 Moody’s Rating (2013).
- Key role in preparing Mangaung Metro for its R2 Billion Bond Issuance (2015).
- A dynamic and dedicated leader, Mr. Mohlahlo is poised to elevate the Free State Provincial Treasury to new heights
