The Democratic Alliance (DA) in North West takes note of the recent inauguration of the former Executive Mayor of the Mahikeng Local Municipality, Lenah Miga, to the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL).
The former mayor, who replaces the late MEC Kegakilwe as a Member in the Legislature, is known for her extravagant taste in luxury vehicles. She spent more than R120 000 on hired cars in 2013. Her mayoral tenure was marred by service delivery protests that led to the torching of the Logageng Community Hall in the same year.
During her brief secondment to the Ngaka District Municipality shortly thereafter, she failed to table the Fivas Forensic report, that deals with the ongoing maladministration of funds at the embattled municipality, before council.
Her appointment to the Legislature raises questions on the ANC’s motives for jumping the 2019 election candidates list, citing that the candidate next in line, Wendy Nelson, is facing criminal charges for fraud.
In light of the fact that close to 60% of the ANC caucus have crossed swords with the long arm of justice in the past, this sudden propensity towards ethical behaviour is unconvincing and affirms that Ms Miga’s inauguration is nothing other than a stunt to flex the current dominating ANC faction.
Considering her previous appointment as Executive Mayor and a storm of controversy that surrounds her tenure, her inauguration fails to inspire any confidence with the public and merely signifies the ANC’s determination to recycle questionable individuals.
The ANC again missed an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to youth empowerment by failing to appoint a young person to this position, especially considering that there are no youth within its caucus.
We have been reliably informed that Ms Miga is earmarked for a position in the Premier’s Executive Council. If proven to be true, such an appointment will simply confirm the Premier’s disdain for ethical leadership.
From the delayed reshuffle to the latest developments concerning Ms Miga’s appointment, all points to the ANC’s state of utter disrepair. The DA has a proven track record when it comes to clean governance and therefore remains the only party that can bring the change this province needs.