Appointment of MEC Miga: NW ANC factionalism wins the day once more

Issued by Freddy Sonakile MPL – DA North West Spokesperson on COGHSTA
13 Aug 2021 in Press Statements

Note to Editors: Find attached soundbites in English and Setswana by DA North West Spokesperson on COGHSTA, Freddy Sonakile.  

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in North West notes the appointment of Lenah Miga as MEC for the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), last night.

She replaces Mmoloki Cwaile, who seemingly resigned involuntarily after being placed on special leave earlier this week.

It is disappointing, but not surprising, that the deeply seated factional fault lines within the ANC has reduced this Department to a political yo-yo – the faction with the most power disposes of members of the other faction.

This Department, that should be attending to the housing needs of residents and also ensure that municipalities deliver basic services such as water and sanitation, failed in its Constitutional mandate due to ongoing political games – all at the expense of communities.

The DA maintains that Mr Cwaile, just like several other recent examples in North West, is punished for exposing irregularities, which again proves that the ANC places institutionalised corruption ahead of the people of this province.

We will be looking forward to MEC Cwaile’s return to the Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committees where we will draw from the insight he gained in his short term of office to strengthen our oversight role.

The DA will keep a close eye on MEC Miga, who takes office under a cloud of controversy following her days as Executive Mayor of Mahikeng Local Municipality.

The residents of North West should no longer suffer at the hands of an uncaring government and should choose a life of dignity by voting for the DA in the upcoming local government elections. The DA gets things done!