Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached a soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Hendriëtte van Huyssteen.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the resignation of Hon. Tshepo Khosa from his role as Deputy Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature, effective August 23rd. While Hon. Khosa’s resignation letter did not provide specific reasons, it follows serious allegations that he falsified his matric results to qualify for the position.
The ANC mandates a minimum of a matric certificate for its members in executive roles, and the recent claims that Hon. Khosa may have misrepresented his educational credentials are deeply concerning. Such actions, if proven true, undermine the integrity of the legislative process and the trust of the public.
The DA is committed to upholding transparency and ethical standards in governance. To this end, we will pursue a full investigation into the allegations against Hon. Khosa through both the legislative framework and criminal proceedings. It is crucial that we ascertain the truth and ensure accountability.
Should the investigation confirm that Hon. Khosa falsified his matric results, it would constitute a severe breach of ethical standards, warranting not just his resignation as Deputy Speaker but also from the North West Provincial Legislature. Integrity in public office is essential, and any deviation from this principle undermines the democratic process.
For the students and graduates in North West who have worked tirelessly to earn their matric certificates, such deceit is particularly disheartening. These individuals have faced numerous challenges to achieve their educational milestones, and any attempt to undermine this process through fraudulent means is a significant insult to their hard work and dedication.
The DA is dedicated to ensuring that our legislative institutions maintain the highest standards of conduct. We will ensure that the investigation into these allegations is conducted with the necessary rigour and transparency. It is imperative that we restore and uphold public trust by addressing any misconduct decisively.
While Hon. Khosa’s resignation is a necessary step, it is equally important that the investigation be thorough and transparent. The DA remains steadfast in our commitment to ethical governance and will work tirelessly to maintain the integrity of our democratic institution.