Premier Alan Winde has suspended Transport and Public Works MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela for two weeks while an investigation into him lying on his CV begins.
However, the GOOD Party has accused the DA of “pussy footing” around the issue and demanded the MEC be fired.
GOOD spokesperson Brett Herron said: “Madikizela has already publicly admitted to lying about his non-existent qualification. There is nothing to investigate.
“The National Qualifications Framework Act makes it a criminal offence for any person to fraudulently claim to hold a qualification (or a part-qualification) and provides for a sentence of imprisonment of up to five years.
“We will now lay criminal charges against Madikizela.”
Madikizela’s head is on the chopping block, both as MEC and senior DA leader, following revelations that he lied about a degree he doesn’t have.
Winde said he was “deeply concerned” that Madikizela’s biography contained information which he had accepted was not true, as well as claims he misled a journalist in that regard.
“I met with MEC Madikizela yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon, where I raised my concerns with him and asked for an explanation,” he said.
“I have since carefully considered the matter and have taken the decision to suspend Minister Madikizela, effective immediately, for a period of 14 days while an investigation determines all the facts.”
Winde has appointed Human Settlements MEC Tertius Simmers as acting Transport MEC.
Madikizela said on Wednesday: “In light of the Daily Maverick article, I take full responsibility that I didn’t correct the information on my bio. It is true, I didn’t finish my B.Com degree, but that is not a requirement for a political office in South Africa.”
But leader of the opposition Cameron Dugmore of the ANC said: “The issue is that he fraudulently claimed that he had a B.Com. This was clearly intended to promote his prospects.
”The fact that the MEC sees nothing wrong with this confirms our view that he is not fit for office.”