By OBAKENG MAJE
A dark cloud continues to be hovering over the Head of Department (HoD) of North West Social Development, Relebophile Mafokane. This comes after allegations that Mafokane, who is earning R1.5 million per annum does not have relevant qualifications for the position.
According to the Mail & Guardian newspaper, Mafokane’s appointment was allegedly rubber-stamped by the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, despite Mafokane possessing no apparent qualification beyond a matric certificate.
According to the Mail & Guardian, they have established through an internal note from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), that Mafokane only had a matric certificate when he began his five-year term in May last year.
Now, the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development refused to process an Annual Performance Plan (APP) signed off by Mafokane.
The chairperson of the committee, Gavin Edwards said: “We are disappointed that the outstanding matters relating to the questionable appointment of Mafokane have yet to be addressed.
“We had several interactions with the department trying to resolve the matter. So, we decided to return the department without processing the 2021/22 Annual Performance Plan.
“The decision was taken based on the uneasiness of members of the Portfolio Committee to hear and deliberate on a report signed off by a HOD whose appointment is currently still in question,” Edwards said.
He further said, there is a written communication between the committee, North West MEC for Social Development, Boitumelo Moiloa, and North West Premier, Bushy Maape which last received attention in June 2022.
“It has become clear that this matter has been outstanding as far back as June 2022. The matter of the legality of the HOD’s appointment has been raised by the committee during previous committee meetings and more recently in media reports.
“The lack of progress on the matter poses serious possible financial risks to taxpayers’ funds, therefore, we will not continue to deal with the HOD until the matter is resolved,” said Edwards.
He added that, the committee resolved to hand over this matter to the relevant Portfolio Committee overseeing the Office of the Premier, in ensuring that the legislature carries out its mandate of oversight over the department. Edwards said the committee further invited the Mafokane to provide his version of events before it.
“We hope that the truth will finally come to the fore and if proven to be correct. All those involved from the accused to those who appointed him and those involved in this matter and failed to do due diligence, will be dealt with appropriately,” said Edwards.
The Guardian 