Tag Archives: Lazarus Mokgosi by the Naledi Local Municipality mayor

Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate interference allegations levelled against North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi in turmoil

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Picture: The Chairperson of Ad Hoc Committee, Nathan Oliphant

By OBAKENG MAJE

 April 2026 – The North West Provincial Legislature’s Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate allegations of interference against the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi by the Naledi Local Municipality mayor, Clifton Groep, has been marred by alleged significant operational and political challenges. It is alleged that the Ad Hoc Committee members had different views after the legal team submitted its findings.  

This led to the decision to consider that description as only an analysis report. Among others, there were startling allegations levelled against the North West Provincial Legislature’s Chair of Chairs, Tebogo Modise, who is part of the Ad Hoc Committee members.

It is alleged that Modise paid an accommodation for a Community Liaison Officer (CLO) at the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Doreen Mariri who was a witness. These allegations were brought forward by the Democratic Alliance (DA) Provincial Leader and Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Freddy Sonakile, who is also a member of the Ad Hoc Committee.  

This prompted the Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee, Nathan Oliphant to send a letter to all Ad Hoc Committee members raising concerns over allegations of conflict in respect of witness (es). Oliphant said in pursuant to the Ad Hoc Committee virtual meeting held on 26 March 2026, allegations were made by Sonakile that, a member or members may have paid for the accommodation of a witness during the Ad Hoc Committee hearing into allegations

against member(s).

“In this respect, I rule that all members submit to the Ad Hoc Committee Secretary, Lucia Bosilong an affidavit made under oath disclosing whether he/she has paid for the accommodation of a witness or witnesses directly or indirectly or has benefited directly or indirectly and the

name of the witness or alternatively that he or she has not made any payment in respect of the accommodation of a witness or witnesses appearing before the Ad Hoc Committee inquiring into allegations against member(s) of the Ad Hoc Committee.

“Should all members confirm non-payment this will trigger a further investigation into the allegations. All members must protect the integrity of the proceedings undertaken by the Ad Hoc Committee,” he said.

However, in a written response to The Guardian Newspaper, Oliphant said: “The Ad Hoc Committee notes the media enquiry and wishes to place on record that its work is ongoing and has not yet been concluded.

“The committee is currently considering the evidence presented by various witnesses and continues to apply its mind to the matters before it in line with its approved Terms of Reference.”

Oliphant further said the committee respectfully requests the media and the public to allow it the necessary space and time to complete its work without undue speculation. He added that upon conclusion of its processes, the committee will formally report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature, in accordance with established procedures.

“With regard to matters relating to expenditure, the committee confirms that the total cost of its work will be reflected in its final report, which will be tabled before the Legislature and made publicly available at the appropriate time.

“The committee will not engage on unverified allegations or matters that form part of its ongoing processes,” said Oliphant.

Meanwhile, Sonakile said the committee continues to execute its mandate within the prescripts of the law and the rules of the Legislature. He said as with any complex oversight process, differing views may arise, however, these do not detract from the committee’s responsibility to reach a lawful and credible outcome.

“On the alleged dismissal of the legal team’s report, I am not in a position to comment in detail on internal deliberations of the committee. What is important is that all inputs, including those of the legal team, are considered in line with due process before any final determination is made.

“On the allegation regarding accommodation of a witness, I can confirm that I raised a concern during committee proceedings after becoming aware of information suggesting that a member may have paid for, or indicated an intention to pay for, the accommodation of a witness,” said Sonakile.

He said this was done in good faith and in the interest of safeguarding the integrity of the process. Sonakile said on whether such conduct is permissible, any form of direct or indirect benefit to a witness, if established, would raise serious concerns regarding the integrity and independence of proceedings.

“This is precisely why the matter was raised for proper consideration. On specific allegations involving named individuals, it would be inappropriate and potentially prejudicial for me to confirm or deny specific allegations relating to any individual at this stage.

“The matter is subject to internal processes. On a possible investigation the Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee, has already issued a directive requiring members to submit sworn affidavits on this matter and further steps will be determined based on those submissions, in line with the ruling issued on 30 March 2026,” he said.

Sonakile said he remains committed to ensuring that the work of the committee is conducted with integrity, fairness, and full accountability.

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Ad Hoc Committee concludes its second round of hearing

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Picture: The Chairperson of the Committee, Nathan Oliphant

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

2 February 2026- The North West Provincial Legislature’s (NWPL) Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate allegations of interference against the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi by the Naledi Local Municipality mayor, Clifton J Groep, has concluded the second round of its public hearings held at Sun City from 26 to 31 January 2026. The Ad Hoc Committee commenced its work in November 2025, during which it held the first round of hearings from 24 to 27 November 2025, and heard testimony from a number of witnesses as part of the initial phase of its mandate.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Nathan Oliphant said following the extension of the committee’s mandate by the Legislature until 31 March 2026, the committee resumed its work for the second round of hearings. Oliphant said during the second round of hearings this week, the Ad Hoc Committee heard testimony from Thabo Appolus, former Director: Corporate Services at the Naledi Local Municipality, Modisenyane Thompson Segapo, former Municipal Manager of the Naledi Local Municipality, Aobakwe Mathonsi, a member of the ANC’s Regional Executive Committee in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Region and Special Advisor to the Executive Mayor of the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality.

“This includes Doreen Mariri, a Community Liaison Officer at the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality and Dithole Hendrick Moate, Director: Capacity Building at the North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA).

“North West Premier, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi, appeared before the Ad Hoc Committee on Saturday and concluded his testimony for the current round of hearings, with Adv Pule Seleka SC leading evidence on behalf of the Committee,” he said.

Oliphant further said Mokgosi will, however, continue to engage with the Ad Hoc Committee on 13 February 2026 and 14 February 2026, as part of the continuation of the Committee’s proceedings. He added that the committee remains committed to executing its mandate independently, impartially and without fear or favour.

“The committee’s work is guided by the principles of fairness, transparency and natural justice, and that it will consider all evidence placed before it objectively, without prejudging any party or outcome.

“We will in due course, advise on the next phases of the committee’s work, in line with the committee’s mandate and the Standing Rules of the North West Provincial Legislature. Further communication regarding the continuation of the hearings and related arrangements will be issued in due course,” said Oliphant.

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Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate allegations levelled against North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi convene  

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Picture: Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By OBAKENG MAJE

11 October 2025- The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in North West said it welcomes the newly-established Ad Hoc Committee by the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL). The North West Provincial Legislature’s Joint Portfolio Committees on the Premier and Finance and the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs have established an Ad Hoc Committee to investigate allegations of improper conduct made against the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi by the Naledi Local Municipality mayor, Clifton Groep.

EFF Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Justice Dabampe said these allegations were made during the oversight visit by the National Parliament’s Joint Portfolio Committees to municipalities in the North West Province on 1-3 September 2025 held at the North West Provincial Legislature’s Auditorium.

“As the EFF, we fully support the recently established Ad Hoc Committee of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), which is looking into the allegations levelled against the Mokgosi.  

“Groep raised serious allegations against Mokgosi. We fully believe that this committee will come up with clear findings towards what happened and test these allegations. We also hope that the committee will get credible witnesses as many as possible and come up with clear recommendations without casting any aspersions on the affected parties,” he said.  

The Democratic Alliance (DA) Caucus Leader in the North West Provincial Legislature, Freddy Sonakile shared the same sentiments. Sonakile said they welcome the formation of an Ad Hoc Committee by the North West Provincial Legislature.

“Following the visit by the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) of the National Assembly, chaired by Zweli Mkhize, last month, the Mayor alleged that the Premier and three ANC members visited Thabo Appolus, a former employee of Naledi Local Municipality, on his farm and allegedly instructed him to alter a report concerning the appointment of the Municipal Manager, Modisanyane Segapo.

“In response, the National Assembly Committee resolved that the Legislature must conduct its own process, while the National Assembly proceeds with its own. Consequently, the North West Provincial Legislature mandated the Joint Committee on the Office of the Premier and Finance, together with the Portfolio Committee on CoGTA, to deliberate on the matter and propose a way forward,” he said.

Sonakile further said the Joint Committee subsequently recommended the establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee, which the House has now adopted. He added that the Ad Hoc Committee is expected to investigate the matter and report to the House by 31 November 2025.

“The DA welcomes this resolution as a sign of maturity and accountability, consistent with the rule of law and democratic principles. It is crucial that such serious allegations are investigated with transparency rather than being swept under the carpet.

“We further urge that ANC internal politics should not be allowed to influence the work of the committee. The people of the North West deserve an unbiased, fair and independent process that upholds the integrity of our democratic institutions,” said Sonakile.

He said the North West municipalities continue to rank among the worst-performing in the country and this process presents an opportunity to uncover whether there is underlying political interference that affects governance, appointments, and service delivery at the local level. Somnakile said the DA’s representative on the Ad Hoc Committee is Chris Steyl, who will be the party spokesperson on the matter and monitor that the process is fair, transparent and free from political manipulation, in the best interests of accountability and good governance.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Committee, Nathan Oliphant said following consultations with Leaders of Represented Parties, in accordance with Rule 187 of the Standing Rules of the Legislature, the following Members of the Legislature have been appointed to serve on the Ad Hoc Committee, as per the resolution of the House sitting on 16 September 2025.

“Nathan Oliphant (ANC) – Chairperson, Tebogo Modise (ANC), Paul Sebegoe (ANC), Kgalalelo Makgokgowa (ANC), Ofentse Moema (EFF), Chris Steyl (DA) and Lerato Tsholo (MKP) – representing all minority parties in the Legislature, including the Freedom Front Plus, Action SA, and uMkhonto weSizwe Party.

“The Committee has officially commenced its work and has appointed an evidence leader, Advocate Pule Seleka SC, who met with Committee members on 10 October 2025. The public will be kept informed of all developments,” said Oliphant.

He said: “As of 13 October, the evidence leader will begin meeting with witnesses in preparation for the Committee’s work. The Committee aims to complete its work by the end of November 2025. However, depending on administrative challenges, there may be a need to request an extension until January 2026.”

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