Bonginkosi Madikizela suspended amid qualifications claim
The Western Cape's Transport MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela has been suspended from provincial government following claims he lied about his qualifications.
In an expose, the Daily Maverick accuses Madikizela of lying on his CV.
Madikizela claims to have graduated from Unisa in 1999 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree.
But Western Cape Premier Alan Winde says Madikizela has admitted to him that his CV "contains information which he has accepted is not true, as well as claims that he misled a journalist in this regard".
"I met with Minister Madikizela yesterday afternoon, where I raised my concerns with him and asked for an explanation," says 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."
Madikizela has been placed on a 14-day suspension pending internal investigations.
"Once I have all the facts, I will make a final decision regarding Minister Madikizela and his role in my cabinet," Winde adds.
"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."
Tertius Simmers has been appointed as acting Minister of Transport and Public Works for the time being.
The controversy comes amid a heated race for the job in the province's flagship metro, Cape Town.
Madikizela will take on current mayor Dan Plato and Democratic Alliance MP Geordin Hill-Lewis.
The elections were postponed following a dispute over the selection of panel members.
The race is expected to pick up again once the DA's federal legal commission has resolved the matter.
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