North West Legislature Cooperative Governance Committee Rejects with contempt statement by EFF on the Mamusa Local Municipality Speaker Issue

The Portfolio Committee on on Premier, Finance, Corporative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affair chaired by Hon. Aaron Motswana rejects with the contempt it deserves the statement by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)titled “EFF Statement on the Onslaught of the Mamusa Local Municipality Speaker” dated 09 February 2022.

The committee views the statement as a malicious attempt to defocus the attention of the public and the media on the responsibility of the Speaker as the custodian of Council Resolutions to account and clear the allegations of existence of two accounting officers in a municipality where he is presiding.

The statement issued by the EFF is unfortunate and seeks to undermine the work of the Committee, the Constitution  of the Republic of South Africa and the Standing Rules of the Legislature. The Speaker was treated like any other invitee in terms of Standing Rules of the North West Provincial Legislature (Rule 114) and Section 115 of the Constitution of the Republic.

The Constitution does not allow him to dictate to the portfolio committee of Legislature on how to conduct or who to invite to its meetings. He will not be allowed to apply tactics to escape scrutiny and accountability no matter attempts of interference by political parties. The Speaker once elected should be neutral, non-partisan and act as a guardian to the Constitution, rule of law and enforcer of same. The Speaker must be reminded that the office he occupied requires of him to serve the people of Mamusa and the public not to be political. Outside government he can submit to his political party views but the position he occupies requires of him to be exemplary.

The Portfolio Committee will not degenerate into unnecessary mudslinging and deliberate attempts to mislead and undermine the stature of the Committee. The Committee will continue to perform its functions without fear or favour.

It is against this background that the Committee has resolved to summon the Speaker to come and account.

For more information or to arrange interviews with the Chairperson contact Namhla Luhabe on 0795270628.

Source: Government of South Africa