CAPE TOWN - WHILE the DA in the province was silent on the controversial consideration of former Transport and Public Works MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela being appointed Premier Alan Winde’s special advisor, more opposition parties have slammed the move.
Calls have now been made for the national Department of Public Administration to step in and prevent the intended appointment.
Madikizela stepped down from his position as MEC and a member of the legislature last year after it emerged he had lied about having a bachelor of commerce degree in human resource management as previously claimed.
Prior to stepping down, a public protector report found he had violated the executive ethics codes by making misleading or false statements to the legislature about GOOD MPL Brett Herron.
Winde’s spokesperson Cayla Murray on Thursday said the report was not accepted and would have been taken on judicial review had it not been for the resignation of Madikizela from the cabinet, “rendering the matter moot”.
Asked if Madikizela was not suitable to be MEC, what made him qualified to be a special advisor, Murray said: “As a former MEC of human settlements and transport and public works, Madikizela has the experience and expertise that is required to provide this advisory capacity to the premier.”
The offer follows the retirement of Donald Grant in November 2021, who served as a special advisor.
The appointment has not yet been finalised, as the National Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) must first vet the application, in line with associated regulations, Murray previously said.
The DA Western Cape did not respond to questions on Thursday.
EFF provincial spokesperson Wandile Kasibe said the contradictory actions of the DA were not surprising and that Madikizela’s return would be short-lived.
“They again require a black token to appease and appeal to its black voters who left the DA after Madikizela was shamed and suspended early last year.
After its poor performance in the past local government elections the DA is left with no other choice but to identify black political pawns,” said Kasibe.
The ANC’s Cameron Dugmore said Madikizela was unfit to hold public office.
“What can he advise the premier about? How to be deceptive? We call on the national Department of Public Service and Administration not to ratify Premier Winde’s cynical attempt to restore Madikizela to public life. This is blatant cadre accommodation.”
Herron said the proposed appointment was a disgraceful example of “jobs-for-pals”.
Cape Times