During an introductory meeting with the Public Protector at a meeting held at Madibeng Local Municipality in Brits, North West Premier, Supra Mahumapelo, pledged his support to the Public Protector, Advocate Thuli Madonsela, to expedite the investigation of the D-Account. The investigation has been dragging on for three years.
The Public Protector received complaints relating to allegations of corruption and maladministration of the D-Account, the involvement of the North West Provincial Government as well as the appointed Administrators of the Bapo Ba Mogale Tribal Authority. The Public Protector requested the Premier Mahumapelo to help the investigation by providing all outstanding documents, place the entire account under administration and recover the money wherever possible.
Responding to the plea by the Public Protector, the Premier assured Advocate Madonsela of the provincial administration’s unwavering support and cooperation in bringing this matter to a close. The Premier also made an undertaking to give feedback to the Bapo people and other affected communities in as far as the D-Account is concerned.
“We owe it to the communities to provide information on how their money was spent and how the processes were coordinated by those in charge of the account. It remains our responsibility, as the provincial government and relevant parties, to ensure that this happens unopposed,” affirmed Mahumapelo.
The parties agreed that all those who have been involved since 1994 will be called to account. It was also agreed that the chieftainship dispute in Bapo will also be addressed as a matter of urgency.
Acknowledging the undertakings made by the Premier, Advocate Madonsela also committed her team to working together with the Premier’s office, saying she is positive that the provincial government will coordinate and ensure responses to information requests on all issued raised at the meeting.
“I am encouraged by the Premier’s commitment today, and through his State of the Province Address to clean up the administration, and I have offered him the partnership in achieving this,” said Advocate Madonsela. The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss other matters from the province that have been brought to the Public Protector’s attention.
As a way forward, it was agreed that there will be immediate suspension of capital expenditure on the D-Account and that a meeting will be arranged in due course with the Bapo Ba Mogale community to give them feedback.
Enquiries:
Ms Bonolo Mohlakoana
Acting Head of Communication
Office of the Premier, North West Provincial Government
E-mail: Bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za
Cell: 082 901 2435
Ms Kgalalelo Masibi
Spokesperson for the Public Protector
Tel: 012 366 7006
Cell: 079 507 0399
E-mail: kgalalelom@pprotect.org
