The DA in North West has raised the alarm, stating that “jobs for cadres became the norm” as the ANC allegedly continues to recycle politically connected individuals into positions of power.

This sharp criticism comes from the DA’s North West spokesperson on Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), CJ Steyl, who expressed concern over the recent extension of the interim board at the North West Housing Corporation (NWHC). 

According to Steyl, the decision by COGHSTA MEC Oageng Molapisi to prolong the board’s tenure until a permanent one is appointed is emblematic of the ANC’s entrenched policy of cadre deployment.

Recycling former ANC MPs, MPLs, Councillors and MECs

“The interim board – all former ANC politicians kicked out of government positions – was appointed three months ago following a Portfolio Committee resolution calling for an interim board to restore governance and accountability at the NWHC after the CEO, Bishop Mogodiri, managed the entity with impunity and contempt for years,” Steyl stated.

“Sadly, MEC Molapisi missed an opportunity with the appointment of the interim board by recycling former ANC MPs, MPLs, Councillors and MECs who fell out of political favour with the leading faction in the ANC. Now that support is being solicited as the ANC in North West moves towards its provincial congress, jobs for cadres become the norm.”

Steyl argued that the extension signals a disregard for the public’s message in the wake of the 2024 general elections, in which the ANC’s support saw a marked decline. He said that rather than pursuing competent and independent professionals, the MEC chose to maintain a network of loyalists.

“If the ANC received the message the electorate sent them following the 2024 election, MEC Molapisi would have recruited and appointed professionals to the interim board, but instead, it appears that the ANC in North West remains hellbent on pursuing its agenda to loot through cadre deployment,” Steyl said.

Molapisi, for his part, defended the board, stating that its members possess the requisite knowledge and experience to ensure good governance at the embattled NWHC. But Steyl questioned this rationale, stating: “If these individuals were so skilled and experienced, why do they no longer serve in government?”

The DA also raised concerns that the appointments may be linked to larger political and financial interests. Steyl suggested that the interim board’s real mandate could be to facilitate and protect networks of patronage and corruption, including plans for a controversial R74.3 billion smart mega-city development project.

“It is clear that the agenda to pursue the development of an R74.3 billion smart mega-city – another opportunity to loot – could be the real reason behind the cadre deployment at the NWHC. But crucially, the interim board’s ANC mandate probably includes shielding Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s patronage network from accountability,” Steyl said.

He further highlighted unresolved financial discrepancies, stating that Goldrush, a company linked to the Deputy President through family connections, owes the NWHC nearly R6 million in rental for Morula Sun. Furthermore, Tshwane Metro’s Deputy Mayor, Eygene Modisi, allegedly owes R12.5 million in rental, while the NWHC itself is R20 million in arrears to the City of Tshwane for utility bills.

The party said it has already requested that Tshwane’s Deputy Mayor be summoned to account before the portfolio committee alongside the NWHC. Molapisi will also be summoned to explain the recruitment process for the permanent board.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi