North West’s new MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane, has requested the entire provincial gambling board to resign. This sudden shake-up has left the entity in turmoil and uncertainty.
On 4 July, Lenkopane sent a letter to Vuyo Peach, the North West Gambling Board chairperson, and all its members, asking them to step down voluntarily. She gave them a strict 48-hour deadline to respond, either with their resignations or reasons for not resigning. Lenkopane didn’t mince words in the letter, warning that failure to comply could lead her to use her legislative powers to enforce the resignations.
Questionable Procedures and Compliance Concerns
Lenkopane’s call for resignation stems from concerns over the board’s establishment and operations. She cites questionable procedures and a lack of compliance with the North West Gambling Act.
She expressed worries that the board’s strategies and action plans might lead to irregularities, potentially disrupting the provincial government’s functionality.
Peach Resigns Amidst Controversy
City Press reported that Vuyo Peach, the board chairperson, resigned on Monday. However, Peach neither confirmed nor denied his resignation when contacted, choosing to remain tight-lipped about the latest developments.
This isn’t the first time Peach has been in the spotlight. In March, he clashed with Collins Maine, his former deputy and ex-ANC Youth League leader. Maine allegedly overstepped his bounds as board chairperson, leading to further friction within the board. Maine left his position last month to become the MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports, and Recreation.
Defiant Board Members
Not everyone on the board is complying with Lenkopane’s request. Six members sent a joint letter on 7 July, refusing to step down and criticizing the MEC’s allegations against them.
They argued that they needed a proper chance to engage with Lenkopane and insisted they would continue their duties until valid reasons for dissolving the board were provided.
Membership Reviews and Withdrawals
Lenkopane didn’t stop at requesting resignations. On 9 July, she informed three board members that their appointments were being reviewed or withdrawn due to irregularities. Tshenolo Lefutswe, one of the members, was ordered to return the entity’s property and settle any financial obligations immediately. Lenkopane justified her decision by citing section 5 of the North West Gambling Board Act, which allows the provincial treasury to second only one representative to the board.
Lefutswe responded with a strongly worded letter on 10 July, accusing the MEC of being misled by her advisers and misinterpreting the Act. He defended his appointment and criticized the allegations against him as unfounded.
Ongoing Reviews and Tensions
The MEC is also reviewing the appointments of Busisiwe Pule and Mpho Maleme, accusing them of contributing to the instability at the gambling board. Maleme was seconded to the board to represent the Department of Community Safety and Transport in February.
The situation remains tense as the gambling board and the MEC continue to grapple with these internal conflicts. The North West provincial government is watching closely, and many are eager to see how this power struggle will unfold.
