The North West Provincial Legislature’s Ad Hoc Committee, tasked with probing claims of improper conduct and potential interference by Premier Lazarus Mokgosi in Naledi Local Municipality affairs, has adjourned its initial hearings and secured a mandate extension until March 31, 2026. The decision follows four days of tense testimony at Sun City Resort (November 24–27), where witnesses clashed over allegations that Mokgosi meddled in the appointment of Modisenyane Segapo as municipal manager.
Chairperson Nathan Oliphant announced the adjournment in a statement, emphasizing transparency and fairness. “This extension will allow the committee sufficient time to finalize outstanding witness appearances and complete its work comprehensively,” he said, reaffirming the legislature’s oversight role amid growing scrutiny of provincial governance.
Key Allegations and Testimony Highlights
The probe stems from a complaint by Naledi Mayor Clifton Groep, who accused Mokgosi of influencing Segapo’s recruitment process – a claim now under fire as unsubstantiated hearsay. Over the four days, evidence was led by Advocate Pule Seleka SC, with committee members probing deeply.
| Witness | Date | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Clifton Groep (Mayor/Complainant) | Nov 24 | Admitted allegations were based on “hearsay”; faced rebuttals labeling him a “liar and rumourmonger.” |
| Thabo Sejake (Assistant Municipal Manager) | Nov 25 | Testified on recruitment irregularities; details not fully disclosed yet. |
| Mothusi Montwedi (EFF MPL) | Nov 26 | Vehemently denied Groep’s claims, calling him a gossiper; highlighted political motivations. |
| Thabo Appolus (Former Director of Corporate Services) | Nov 27 | Passionately rebutted evidence, sympathizing with Groep as a “learned friend” but accusing him of fabricating a “tampering” narrative from a misinterpreted WhatsApp message. “The thinking tank amongst these cohorts believes that when I spoke about the letter… they created a story that I was speaking about tampering with documents,” Appolus stated. He will resume testimony in 2026. |
Montwedi and Appolus were particularly vocal, with Appolus decrying Groep’s cohort – including Segapo supporters – for twisting facts. No direct evidence of Mokgosi’s interference emerged in the first round, shifting focus to interpersonal and political rivalries within the ANC-dominated municipality.
Naledi Local Municipality, in North West’s Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, has been plagued by service delivery failures and cadre deployment controversies, fueling opposition calls for accountability. The EFF, via Montwedi, has positioned itself as a watchdog, while Mokgosi – in office since June 2024 – faces mounting pressure amid national probes into provincial corruption.
The adjournment allows for additional witnesses, including potentially Segapo and Mokgosi himself, amid whispers of legal challenges. Public hearings resume on a date to be announced, with the full report due by March 31. Critics, including EFF circles on X, decry the delay as a stalling tactic, while supporters hail the extension for due process.
Oliphant urged stakeholders to “refrain from speculation,” but tensions simmer as North West’s political landscape braces for revelations that could topple alliances ahead of 2026 local elections.
