Scopa seeks to expel North West MECs

This came after finance MEC Paul Sebegoe and education MEC Louisa Mabe failed to appear before the committee to address media reports stating the finance department spent R13m on legal fees for a disciplinary hearing.

The legislature said in a statement the disciplinary hearing concerned suspended department head (HOD) Johannes Mohlala.

Acting HOD Geo Paul reportedly wrote to Mabe asking if she was going to circumvent standard practice and appoint a law firm on contract for the hearing, the cost of which was not allowed to exceed R500,000.

However, according to media reports, an invoice from the law firm showed that Mabe appointed it and paid nearly R2m for a single invoice and spent nearly R13m in total.

It was reported that Mabe was the chief witness in the matter.

Scopa wanted Mabe and Sebegoe expelled because they both failed to appear before the committee to explain the matter as requested.

"The two sent apologies but the committee 'rejected them with contempt'," the legislature said.

Scopa chairman Hlomane Chauke said public money could not be spent in that manner, with Sebegoe and Mabe refusing to take responsibility and account for it. He said if media reports were correct, Mabe had acted in bad faith.

"They were given enough time to come and present facts to the committee and they failed to do so," said Chauke.

"If we do not take action we will see the collapse of accountability in the province," it warned.

Scopa resolved that the matter be brought to the attention of premier Thandi Modise. Comment from Sebegoe and Mabe could not be obtained.

Source: Sapa via I-Net Bridge