Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Jóhni Steenkamp
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the North West Provincial Legislature strongly condemns Premier Lazzy Mokgosi’s deliberate attempt to mislead the Legislature and evade his constitutional duty to account to the people of this province. The DA has reported him to the Public Protector in terms of the Executive Members’ Ethics Act and has also referred the matter to the Legislature’s Integrity Commissioner. (See letter here.)
On Tuesday, 15 April 2025, the Premier failed to attend a scheduled sitting of the Legislature, during which he was due to answer oral questions, a crucial accountability mechanism in terms of the Rules of the House. His office submitted an apology claiming he was unwell and had to attend a “specialist medical appointment.”
However, it has since emerged through credible sources, including the North West Provincial Government’s official Facebook page, that the Premier was in Matlosana, Klerksdorp, attending a meeting with District Mayors and the Special Advisor to the Minister of Employment and Labour. This blatant deception reveals that the Premier was actively engaged in political party affairs while neglecting his constitutional responsibilities.
This is not only a gross abuse of office, but also a calculated effort to undermine the integrity of the Legislature and avoid parliamentary oversight. The DA is deeply concerned by this violation of Section 2 of the Executive Ethics Code, which demands that members of the Executive act in good faith, with integrity, and in the public’s best interest.
To make matters worse, MEC Madoda Sambatha was appointed to act on behalf of the Premier during the sitting. He came grossly unprepared and unable to answer follow-up questions, offering only to provide written replies at a later stage. Even more troubling, he was later spotted at the same event with the Premier, raising serious concerns about a coordinated effort to mislead the House.
In a province plagued by the highest unemployment rate in the country, failing municipalities, and non-payment of salaries in departments and public entities, the Premier’s conduct is a disgraceful abdication of duty.
The DA will not allow this matter to be swept under the rug.