Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Jacqueline Theologo
Acting Premier Nono Maloyi admitted that he is aware of the alleged irregular and unlawful appointment of Mr Collen Maine to the North West Gambling Board during a questions session in the North West Legislature yesterday. Mr Maine served as president of the ANC Youth League between 2015 and 2019. The North West Gambling Board is an entity of Department of Economic Development Environment and Conservation Tourism (DEDECT).
Acting Premier Maloyi arrogantly informed members of the Legislature that he could not confirm nor deny as to whether any of the board members of the Gambling Board had been vetted or if any security checks were conducted.
This is the second DEDECT entity marred with allegations of flawed processes in appointments, following the much-publicised irregular appointment of the CFO Mr Mpofu, to the North West Development Corporation. Mr Mpofu is a Zimbabwean citizen who faces allegations of fraudulently obtaining his working permit in South Africa.
Last week, the DA wrote to the SIU, requesting them to extend their scope of investigation to include appointments within all DEDECT entities, including the Gambling Board. North West SIU Head, Israel Ndou, confirmed that they will look into these matters.
DEDECT MEC Virginia Thlapi seems to be a habitual offender with irregular appointments and fails to exercise her oversight role. As a former North West ANC Youth League Chair (ANCYL), it appears that she is simply recycling washed-out ANCYL comrades by providing them with employment within her department, like with Mr Maine. This tendency to give jobs to comrades was normalised by her predecessor, MEC Kenetswe Mosenogi, another former ANCYL leader, during her tenure.
Acting Premier Maloyi indicated that he has tasked MEC Thlapi with submitting a report on all these allegations. He further indicated that he would table that report in the Legislature. Once that report is tabled, the DA will refer it to the SIU as part of the expanded investigation process.
This once again shows that the ANC is hellbent on giving jobs to comrades while almost a million North West residents are unemployed. A vote for the DA this year will put an end to the scourge of cadre deployment. A DA-led government will ensure that appointments are made based on merit, in the service of residents.