By Bernell Simons

The Free State government has officially pulled the plug on the Department of Economic, Tourism, Small Business Development and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA), ushering in a sweeping restructure that redraws the province’s administrative map.

In a bold overhaul led by Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, the long-standing department has been stripped of its environmental mandate and rebranded with a sharper economic focus.

As of 1 April, environmental affairs and conservation — including nature reserves and related services — have been transferred to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD). The move, government says, is aimed at better aligning functions and boosting efficiency across provincial departments.

The changes form part of a broader executive reshuffle under the seventh administration and are in line with proclamations issued by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

With the environmental portfolio removed, the department will now operate as the Free State Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDT) — a streamlined entity focused squarely on business growth, investment and tourism.

Officials insist the rebrand is more than cosmetic. MEC Ketso Makume says the new identity must signal a decisive break from the past and drive a culture of performance.

“This new branding identity must inject urgency and renewed energy into service delivery, anchored in authenticity, effectiveness, integrity and credibility,” said Makume, adding that the department must position itself as a people-centred institution.

Despite the restructuring, DEDT will retain oversight of provincial resorts and continue delivering on its revised economic and tourism mandate.

A public awareness campaign has now been rolled out to introduce the new identity, with communities, employees and stakeholders urged to adopt the updated name and branding for all official purposes.