The North West Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs wishes to dismiss the statement made by the Provincial Secretary of Cosatu, Solly Phetoe, that the decision by Premier Maureen Modiselle to transfer the functions of local government to her office were as a result of an investigation of corruption against MEC Mothibedi Kegakilwe.
The department wishes to state the following:
- Section 137 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act (Act No. 108 of 1996) makes provision for the Premier by proclamation, to transfer to a Member of the Executive Council any power or function entrusted by legislation to another member.
- Therefore her decision to transfer all powers and functions of local government, including administration for local government legislation to her office, had nothing to do with any report on corruption against the MEC, nor was there any investigation on corruption against the MEC.
To the knowledge of the department, there has never been any investigation of corruption nor charges against him or the department. It is therefore improper for Phetoe to call for MEC Kegakilwe’s dismissal and the Premier has the power to take such a decision without being influenced by unfounded allegations. The department wishes to highlight that the statement is devoid of all truth and it is a clear sign of character assassination, which are all intended to mislead the residents of the North West province.
MEC Kegakilwe’s impeccable record in local government speaks volume. He participated in the transitional structures that brought together the statutory and non-statutory bodies during the first phase of developmental local government in the country. Prior to his current portfolio, he served as a Municipal Manager at Kagisano Local Municipality – a rural municipality in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality and it was during his tenure that the municipality received unqualified Auditor-General’s report after receiving disclaimers and qualified reports.
In addition to his vast experience in local government, MEC Kegakilwe has several academic qualifications to his name. He has an Honours Degree in Science, a Masters Diploma in Human Resource Management and a Masters Degree in Governance and Political Transformation. He also has several certificates in different disciplines in local government including a Certificate Programme in Management Development for Municipal Finance from Wits University.
As a member of the Provincial Anti-Corruption Forum, MEC Kegakilwe urges Phetoe to rather report any act of corruption to the relevant law enforcement agencies.
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Ditshaba Makhate
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