Just in: Bonginkosi madikizela suspended following qualifications row

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has taken the decision to suspend Public Works and Transport MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela from Provincial cabinet after it was revealed that he does not hold the BComm qualifications he claimed to have on his CV. 

Winde said that after Madikizela admitted that he had erred in claiming that he had these qualifications, the decision had been taken to suspend him for a period of 14 days in the interest of “fairness and due process”. 

DA launch disciplinary process against Madikizela  

Madikizela faced an internal disciplinary hearing led by Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Executive Chair Helen Zille, with the party sating that they view the accusations made by The Daily Maverick “in a serious light”. 

“The DA notes, with concern, the allegation that the CV of Bonginkosi Madikizela, the party’s Western Cape leader, claims a qualification that he does not hold,” said ZIlle. 

“The DA regards this in a serious light and will follow due process in establishing the facts and taking consequent follow-up action. The matter has been referred to our Federal Legal Commission for investigation.” 

Winde ‘deeply concerned’ about falsified qualifications  

On Thursday, Winde announced that a decision has been taken to temporarily remove Madikizela from his post in the provincial Legislature while “all the facts” surrounding the scandal are established. 

Winde met with Madikizela to discuss the issue on Wednesday afternoon. 

“I am 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,” said Winde. 

“During that meeting I made clear that acting with integrity is non-negotiable to me, and to the people of the Western Cape. I also made clear that I believe in fairness and due process, where all the 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 the facts.”

Acting MEC installed 

Winde said that while Madikizela is on suspended leave, Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertius Simmers, has been installed as acting Minister of Transport and Public Works.

“Once I have all the facts, I will make a final decision regarding Minister Madikizela and his role in my cabinet,” said Winde. 

“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 for this period of time.”