Western Cape DA leader Bonginkosi Madikizela is in hot water after he lied about having a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Human Resource Management on his CV.
He has admitted to not finishing his degree.
The Daily Maverick reported that it asked Madikizela, who is also MEC for transport and public works, if he had the degree to which he replied that he got it at Unisa.
The claim is also contained in Madikizela’s official biography on the Western Cape Government website.
DA Federal Council chairperson Helen Zille says they will now investigate the claims that Madikizela falsified his qualifications.
“The DA regards this in a serious light and will follow due process in establishing the facts and taking consequent follow-up action.”
This comes as Madikizela raised his hand as the DA mayoral candidate in Cape Town.
According to Madikizela, he did study but did not complete his degree.
“I take full responsibility that I did not 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.
“This didn’t benefit me in any way in the positions that I’m currently occupying, that I previously applied for (premiership) and the position I’ve applied for now (mayor) because it was never a requirement.”
The GOOD Party and the ANC have called on Premier Alan Winde to suspend Madikizela pending an investigation by the Legislature Conduct Committee.
“We cannot have an MEC going about his business with such a serious cloud hanging over his head,” says ANC leader of the opposition in the Western Cape Legislature, Cameron Dugmore.