Picture: The North West Social Development offices up in flames/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Democratic Alliance (DA) said burning of North West Social Development offices is a sign of an anarchic and broken department. The fire ravaged the offices on Monday night and some documents at the Human Resources’ Labour Relations unit were allegedly destroyed.
The DA Caucus Leader in North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Freddy Sonakile said they have conducted an oversight visit to the North West Social Development offices in Mahikeng after a fire ravaged several offices on Monday night.
“Our oversight indicated that the Human Resources offices were targeted, in particular the Labour Relations unit. We believe this was deliberate, considering all that has been happening at the department. The department has been facing a serious leadership and governance crisis.
“While we appreciate that the police acted with speed, and will await the results of their investigations. There are serious questions that need to be answered such as where was the security stationed at the offices when the incident occurred? Were the CCTV cameras at the buildings properly installed and operating?” Sonakile said.
He further said they want to know if the department has electronic systems in place to store its files, considering that most of the files were burnt. Sonakile added that they believe this incident, which caused extensive damage, is not accidental and comes amidst a serious leadership and governance crisis engulfing the department.
“In May this year, North West Premier, Bushy Maape placed the then MEC of the Department, Boitumelo Moiloa on an unprecedented special leave and the Head of Department (HoD), Relebohile Mofokane requested a one-month leave. This was a result of the continued squabble between Moiloa and Mofokane, which impacted the department’s ability to fulfil its mandate.
“Since 2021, the department has been embroiled in a series of allegations including, qualifications of Mofokane being challenged, failure to pay NGOs on time, irregular R133 million security tender, suspensions, dismissals and upliftment of suspensions of senior managers, gangs storming into the departmental offices and HOD working without a signed employment contract,” he said.
Sonakile said this incident is an indication of how deep the criminality in that department runs. He said they have requested the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development, Gavin Edwards to summon the intervention team deployed at the department to provide a report on the work they have done, as well as the impact of this incident on the operations of the department.
Meanwhile, the North West Social Development spokesperson, Petrus Siko said: “The fire broke out in one of the offices at around 9pm and spread to a nearby office. Security officers who were on duty tried to quell the fire and called the emergency fire and rescue department for assistance.
“The firefighters responded within a very short space of time after being called to the scene. No injuries were reported and the acting HoD, Obakeng Mongale who is leading an intervention team to stabilise the department, has called on employees whose workstations are at the west wing to remain calm and work remotely on Tuesday.”
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