Mpumalanga’s legislature turned into a political warzone on Tuesday as the DA sided with the ANC to shoot down a motion calling for an investigation into the appointment of a CEO for the multimillion-rand Nkomazi special economic zone (SEZ).
In a move that stunned opposition benches, the DA rejected the EFF’s claim that Dr Nontobeko Mahlalela’s appointment was irregular. Mahlalela, who resigned as municipal manager at Ehlanzeni District to step into the role, had also served on the SEZ board before being hired as its first-ever CEO.
The SEZ is a R2.8-billion state-backed initiative expected to transform the region’s economy. This will be through logistics, Agro-processing and green energy, with R50- billion in investor commitments. But instead of consensus, Mahlalela’s appointment has become the latest political football in a sharply divided house.
EFF tabled motion
The EFF, led by provincial chairperson Collen Sedibe, tabled a formal motion to probe the appointment. Tempers exploded during the debate in Mbombela. The red overalls clashed with blue blazers and ANC colours in a chaotic legislative clash.
Economic Development MEC Nomakhosazana Masilela stood her ground, quoting the SEZ Act in defence.
“The Act empowers the SEZ board to appoint the CEO of the SEZ entity. This implies that the board is responsible for the selection and appointment,” she said.
Masilela dismissed the motion as politically driven.
“Judging by the allegations they are levelling against the CEO, we will be forgiven for thinking that their argument is based on gossip and rumour-mongering. And therefore it is baseless.”
She also accused the EFF of exploiting Mahlalela’s gender.
Gender exploitation
“This honourable house should frown upon political parties that are determined to use the appointment of a highly qualified woman as a popularity contest and to score cheap political points.”
Her words sparked furious heckling from EFF benches. ANC MPLs clapped in support.
MK Party’s Honourable Pekky Shongwe aligned himself with the EFF’s concern.
“The panel may have treated the candidate as one of them, potentially compromising the board’s oversight role. We as the MK view this as a highly influenced appointment.”
Even the Freedom Front Plus found itself in rare agreement with the EFF.
“It is not easy to side with these guys dressed in red. If I look at this specific case, it seems that the candidate is quite capable. But the procedure of appointment raises some concerns,” said Weber.
“We must have a relook at this situation and make sure that the procedure is correct. If correct, then the appointment is valid. But in this case, I’m not completely comfortable with the process. And therefore I go along with my most violent political enemies.”
DA rejected motion
Then came the shock when DA veteran James Masango stood up and dismissed the motion altogether.
“Honourable Speaker, such debates would create a bad precedent. One that when any member is not happy about the appointment of any individual, we should debate,” he said.
“The debate doesn’t deserve to be debated. The debate casts an aspersion against the MEC without substantive evidence. Our decision will be based on hearsay.”
The DA’s support for the ANC drew applause and raised eyebrows. For many, it was the day the GNU marriage at national level made a cameo appearance in the ANC-run province.
However, ActionSA remained silent and abstained. It played the role of Pontius Pilate, who did not want to smudge his hands with the blood of an innocent man.
Sedibe, animated and unrelenting, waved a file of documents at the Speaker’s table.
“It is not false and misguiding, as the MEC was implying. The fact that the appointed CEO was herself a board member during the time of her appointment leaves much to be desired,” he said.
Irregular appointment
He claimed that highly qualified candidates were excluded from the shortlist. While those less qualified than Mahlalela were deliberately included to give her some advantage.
“This provides a high possibility of a collusion between her and the board of directors as fellow colleagues,” he charged.
“MEC Masilela, I have 14 years in public service as a senior government official. And 11 years in this legislature,” he said.
“The most senior in this legislature is me. All of you found me here, and you’ll leave me here.”
He also reminded lawmakers of the oaths they had taken.
“They even asked God to help them discharge their duties with honesty. But they’ve forgotten now that they are on a gravy train.”
Sedibe then turned the heat on the board itself.
Call to dissolve board rejected
“Chapter 6 of the same SEZ Act stipulates that no person below the position of director-general, or where appropriate, the deputy director-general, must be appointed to the board,” he said.
“I went through all the CVs. They don’t meet the requirement. The board must be dissolved with immediate effect.”
Speaker Lettie Masina blocked Sedibe from handing out the documents, citing legislature rules.
“The ruling bans circulation of exhibits for debating purposes without the prior approval of the Speaker,” she said.
When the vote was called, 21 members rejected the motion, 15 supported it, and four abstained.
