The DA notes the statement by the Speaker of the North West Legislature, Me Desbo Mohono, issued yesterday, seeking to ‘clarify’ issues relating to alleged instances of perjury by witnesses during the public hearings held by the Ad Hoc Committee.
It is true that the Ad Hoc Committee is yet to finalise its report as per the terms of reference of its establishment, which is broadly, to investigate and ascertain whether there was any political interference by members in the recruitment of a Municipal Manager in the Naledi Local Municipality as alleged by Mayor Cllr Clifton Groep.
Speaker Mohono is also correct in that fair opportunity would be afforded to all implicated parties to comment and make submissions to the final draft report for consideration by the Ad Hoc Committee in finalising its report and tabling it to the House for consideration.
But Speaker Mohono is misguided on the matter of alleged perjury identified by the Ad Hoc Committee.
The Ad Hoc Committee, while conducting its investigation, identified discrepancies in the written affidavits and oral testimony of several witnesses. Both written affidavits and oral testimony are given under oath.
As such, as per the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Legislatures Act (Act 4 of 2004), Section 13, it is a criminal offence to present false testimony before a committee of Parliament or Provincial Legislatures, with appropriate sanction which may include financial penalties or imprisonment of up to two years or both.
On 07 May 2026, the Ad Hoc Committee adopted a report in which instances of misleading and/or contradictory evidence were presented before the Ad Hoc Committee by witnesses, with the recommendation that this report be submitted to the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) for consideration towards further investigation and possible prosecution.
It is regrettable that Speaker Mohono failed to table the Ad Hoc Committee’s report in the Legislature’s ATC today.
The Ad Hoc Committee, which is established by a House Resolution, with clearly defined, and limited, terms of reference, is also protected and empowered beyond this House Resolution by the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Legislatures Act.
As such, the report on alleged instances of perjury is a final report by the Ad Hoc Committee, with a clear recommendation, which is to refer the report to the NDPP.
Speaker Mohono has an obligation to ensure that the constitutional mandate and authority of the North West Provincial Legislature is maintained, specifically to act against instances where this constitutional mandate and authority is being undermined, such as may be the case flowing from the work of the Ad Hoc Committee.
The Ad Hoc Committee’s report on alleged instances of perjury is a crucial report that will reinforce the Legislature’s constitutional mandate and authority, by taking tangible action which may result in criminal prosecution. It is perhaps the first such report emanating from the work of a committee of the North West Provincial Legislature and should be celebrated.
Initiating action following this Ad Hoc report will strengthen oversight and accountability mechanisms and will go a long way to regain the public’s lost trust in the North West Provincial Legislature.
It will set a precedent that will ensure that current and future Premiers, MECs, Director-Generals, Heads of Departments and any other witness called before the Legislature account transparently and truthfully or else there will be consequences.
Speaker Desbo Mohono must table the report and submit it to the NDPP without delay or face the same consequences as Parliament had following the debacle not only of the Nkandla matter of Jacob Zuma previously, but also the Phala Phala issue of Cyril Ramaphosa currently.
The ANC’s time of abusing Legislatures and Parliament in the ANC’s interest is over.