DESTEA Archives

By Boitumelo Shuping: Ford Raptor powers through the Orange River, testing its limits on the rugged 4×4 Eco Challenge route at Tussen Die Riviere Nature Reserve. (Image: Steven Kobedi) The Free State’s vast wilderness came alive as adventure seekers descended on Tussen Die Riviere (TDR) Nature Reserve near Bethulie for the annual 4×4 Eco Challenge, hosted by the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) on 22 November 2025. Water crossings and mountain climbs The challenge unfolded with a dramatic water crossing as vehicles eased into the Orange River before moving toward the steep koppies. As the convoy climbed the rising slopes, participants could look back and see the deep orange shimmer of the river...

By Becker Semela: DESTEA MEC Ketso Makume, whose department got a clean audit at last. (Image: Supplied) The Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA), has received a clean audit opinion from the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) for the 2024/25 financial year. In a statement to NewsSA, the department MEC Ketso Makume said this achievement follows years of hard work and strategic planning by the department. He said a few years ago, DESTEA adopted a strategy focused on strengthening internal controls, improving infrastructure delivery and following AGSA’s recommendations and directives. The department made sure every financial transaction followed the rules to avoid irregular spending. "The...

NEWS SOUTH AFRICA

Tag: DESTEA

Rivers Collide, Engines Roar: Free State 4×4 Eco Challenge

CELEBRATING CLEAN AUDIT: Free State provincial department earns praise for good governance and financial discipline