BONGINKOSI Madikizela has resigned as the DA Western Cape leader and as MEC for Transport and Public Works.
The announcement was made by Western Cape premier Alan Winde on Wednesday.
Madikizela’s resignation comes days after an investigation by the Daily Maverick found he had lied about having a BCom degree.
“We wish to thank Bonginkosi for his service as party leader since his election to the position of DA leader in the Western Cape in 2018. Bonginkosi served as the leader for more than three years,” said Londt.
“We respect his decision and the honourable route he has taken by stepping down as leader… this shows the clear difference between the DA and the ANC.”
Madikizela was first elected as DA provincial leader in 2018. He was re-elected in November 2020, despite allegations that he had tried to have his rival for the job, Speaker of the Legislature Masizole Mnqasela, assassinated.
The deputy provincial leader, Albert Fritz, will remain acting provincial leader until the DA elects an interim leader during the Provincial Council on 29 May, said Londt.
“Today, Mr Bonginkosi Madikizela tendered his resignation from the Western Cape Cabinet, which I have accepted. I believe that his decision under the circumstances was the right and honourable thing to do,” said Winde.
In 2009, Madikizela occupied the role of MEC of Human Settlements under Premier Helen Zille and in 2019 he became MEC for Transport and Public Works under Winde.
“Mr Madikizela has worked hard in both the Human Settlements and Transport & Public Works portfolios, and I wish to thank him for the valuable contribution he has made to delivering progress in our province over the years,” said Winde.
Tertuis Simmers will continue to act as MEC for Transport and Public Works, and Winde said he would make an announcement soon on his provincial Cabinet composition.
Meanwhile, DA Women’s Network (Dawn) leader Nomafrench Mbombo has also resigned with immediate effect.
Mbombo is also the health MEC in the Western Cape.
She announced the resignation in a message to the network.
“DAWN deputy leader will be attending federal council [the party’s highest decision-making body] and lead DAWN till a time new leadership is elected. I am resigning as DAWN federal leader,” read the message by Mbombo.
- Inside Politics
