North West Premier Maureen Modiselle has summoned her Sport, Arts and Culture MEC and acting head of department to an urgent meeting to explain to her, the ongoing spat which suggests a breakdown in the working relationship which is further compounded by allegations of financial mismanagement.
"I want to establish the facts, and the appropriate forum to get a full understanding of the facts is a meeting where MEC Grace Bothman and Mr Sam Mokaila are present.
"I cannot take appropriate action based on media reports followed by a letter containing same allegations three days later," said Premier Modiselle yesterday.
Modiselle confirmed that a meeting with MEC Bothman and Mokaila "should indeed have taken place" by yesterday (Tuesday).
However, that arrangement changed because the other party central to the dispute, was said to be out of town and could not be reached by phone since Monday morning until by noon today (Wednesday).
"There cannot be a meeting without both parties present more so because of seriousness of the allegations levelled against the MEC apparently by the acting HOD.
"That has to be addressed urgently, because a breakdown of working relations at that level can seriously compromise service delivery and polarise the department," warned Modiselle.
She confirmed receipt of a letter "purporting" termination of the employment contract of Makaila by MEC Bothman.
"I reiterate that Mr Mokaila is still the acting Head of Department and the competency to suspend or dismiss him, remains the competency of the premier.
"It is therefore illegal, not according to procedures and unlawful for any person other than the premier, to terminate or renew the employment contract of the HOD, including that of Mokaila who is currently acting HOD.
"That letter purporting Mokaila's termination has no legal standing and should therefore be ignored," said Modiselle.
She called on both parties involved in the standoff to "respect protocol" and avail themselves "at an earliest available opportunity" for talks with her.
"For me to make an informed decision as leader of government in the province I must first give people a hearing and once that is done, I must find a solution. I cannot allow this to compromise service delivery to our people," she said.
Contact:
Matshube Mfoloe
Cell: 082 305 4594
Province
