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.
The Guardian 