On Tuesday, 11 December 2012, the North West Provincial Legislature’s Standing Committee on Provincial Public Accounts (SCOPA) resolved to call for the expulsion of the MEC for Finance, MEC. Paul Sebegoe and the former MEC, who is now the MEC for Education, MEC. Louisa Mabe.
This came after the two were called to account to the committee regarding media reports that the Department of Finance spent R13million on legal fees of a disciplinary hearing of its suspended Head of Department, Johannes Mohlala.
According to the media reports, the Acting HOD, Geo Paul, had written to the former MEC, MEC Mabe, to advise that if MEC Mabe wanted to deviate from the normal process to appoint the law firm, the value of the contract should not exceed R500 000, but invoices that the media has seen shows that department paid nearly R2million for a single invoice.
It is also reported that MEC Mabe is the chief witness, has already given her evidence in chief and was cross examined in the disciplinary hearing of Mr Mohlala.
The committee’s resolution stems from the fact that the two MECs failed to come and account to the Committee. The two sent apologies but the committee “rejected them with contempt”.
Chairperson of the Committee, Hon. Chauke said there is no way that the Committee can allow a situation where public money is spent in this manner and the two MECs refuse to take responsibility and account for it.
“If the media reports are correct that MEC Mabe has appointed a legal firm, at the same time she is the chief witness in the same matter, then that is tantamount to ultra vires.
“They were given enough time to come and present facts to the committee and they failed to do so. The Public Finance Management Act, directs us as public representatives that if there is wasteful and fruitless expenditure, it must be investigated and monies must be recovered and that action should be taken against those found to have disregarded the law.
“If we do not take action we will see the collapse of accountability in the province,” said Hon. Chauke.
MEC Mabe’s apology was signed by an official in her office, and it also stated that “In due respect kindly forward all your requests to the MEC responsible for Finance”.
Hon Chauke said this “shows a lack of respect to the Legislature doing its business on oversight and accountability in the public interest. He also said when he saw the media reports he convened an urgent meeting and members of the committee acted promptly to ensure accountability on the matter.
“Members of the Provincial Legislature were on recess, but when they saw the media reports they saw it necessary that this should be accounted for.
“We therefore reject their apologies with the contempt they deserve. These MECs are still on duty and their refusal to come and account on a matter that is already in the public eye, is unacceptable,” said Hon. Chauke.
The Committee has resolved that it will now escalate the matter to the Premier of the province, Mme Thandi Modise, for her to give a detailed report to the Committee. The outcome of that meeting will determine if there is a need for an urgent special Legislature sitting to pass resolutions of that meeting.
For more information can contact:
Namhla Luhabe
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