Western Cape Premier Alan Winde says he has suspended the Public Works and Transport MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela with “immediate effect” after he lied about having a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Human Resources on his CV.
The move came following calls from the ANC and Good Party in the Western Cape for Madikizela, who is also DA’s Western Cape provincial leader, to step down or be fired, EWN reported.
Madikizela admitted that he did study, but did not complete his degree.
“I an deeply concerned that Minister Bonginkosi Madikizela’s biography contains information which he has accepted is not true, as well as claims that he misled a journalist in this regard.
“During the meeting, I made clear that acting with integrity is non-negotiable to me, and to the people of the Western Cape.
2/8 I met with Minister Madikizela yesterday afternoon, where I raised my concerns with him and asked for an explanation.
— Premier Alan Winde (@alanwinde) April 15, 2021
“I also made chart that I believe in fairness and due process, where all facts are properly considered.
“I have since carefully considered the matter and have taken the decision to suspend Minister Madikizela effective immediately for a period of 14 days, while an investigation determines all facts,” Winde said.
According to IOL, The issue was brought to light after media reports that Madikizela may have lied about his qualifications.
In his Western Cape parliamentary biography, Madikizela was said to possess a BCom degree in Human Resources and a certificate in Information Technology, the report said.
Winde said he will make his final decision regarding Madikizela and his role in his cabinet once he has all the facts.
“It is in the interests of all parties, and most importantly our residents – who deserve nothing but honesty and integrity from their government – that this matter be resolved swiftly.
“I have appointed the Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertius Simmers, as acting Minister of Transport and Public Works for this period of time,” said Winde.
Picture: Twitter