North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi is facing one of the biggest political crises of his career after a provincial legislature committee found that he breached the Legislature's Code of Conduct by allegedly attempting to influence the appointment of a municipal manager.
In a damning report submitted to Speaker Sebonta Francinah Desbo Mohono, the Ad Hoc Committee recommended that Mokgosi be issued with a formal written warning and forfeit an entire month's salary and allowances linked to the position he occupied at the time of the alleged misconduct.
The recommendations follow months of hearings into allegations that, while serving as ANC Chief Whip in 2023, Mokgosi sought to interfere in the appointment of a Municipal Manager at Naledi Local Municipality.
The investigation centred on claims by Naledi Local Municipality Mayor Clifton Groep, who alleged that Mokgosi instructed former municipal employee Thabo Appolus to alter an interview panel report to block the appointment of Modisenyane Segapo.
Although Mokgosi repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and insisted there was no evidence linking him to interference in the recruitment process, the committee reached a different conclusion. After reviewing witness testimony, documentary evidence and WhatsApp messages, it found that he had participated in an attempt to manipulate the recruitment process.
The committee concluded that Mokgosi's actions fell short of the standards of honesty, integrity and ethical leadership expected of public representatives, finding that his conduct undermined the credibility and dignity of the provincial legislature.
Evidence before the inquiry also included allegations that confidential recruitment documents were improperly accessed and that efforts were made to derail the appointment through altered reports and fabricated complaints.
Mokgosi's spokesperson, Sello Tatai, said the Premier will not comment until the report has been formally tabled before the Legislature.
“The report will now be debated by members of the North West Provincial Legislature, who will decide whether to adopt or reject the recommended sanctions.
“If approved, the penalty would rank among the most severe disciplinary actions ever recommended against a sitting North West Premier”, said Tatai.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
