North West Legislature’s Committee on Premier and Finance Calls for Investigations into Non-Compliance in Senior Government Appointments

The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Premier and Finance, chaired by Hon. Nathan Oliphant, has requested urgent investigations by the Commission for Gender Equality and the Public Service Commission into alleged non-compliance with recruitment and selection procedures by the Office of the Premier. This follows the appointments of Heads of Department (HoDs) for Education and for the Economic Development.

During a recent follow-up meeting with the Office of the Premier, Director-General Mr. Paul Mogotlhe acknowledged that, while advertisements for the HoD positions—along with the post for the Department of Social Development—encouraged applications from women, persons with disabilities, and marginalised communities, the selection panel ultimately recommended two male candidates for the vacancy in the Dept of Econ Dev, Conservation & Tourism and 2 males and 1 female for the vacancy in the Dept of Education, 2 male Heads of department have since been appointed.

The Committee noted with concern the continuing underrepresentation of women in senior roles. Currently, there are 324 males and only 127 females occupying positions at level 13 and above across provincial departments and entities.

Hon. Oliphant expressed disappointment that the report from the provincial government showed no progress since the previous meeting.
“We were misled. The provincial government indicated that no appointments were made in our sitting on 05 June 2025 and subsequent report that 2 men have been appointed for vacancies preferred for female candidates and persons with disability.” Despite this, the appointments proceeded and did not reflect the advertised criteria. We are calling on both the Commission for Gender Equality and the Public Service Commission to investigate potential bias and discrimination against women, people with disabilities, and marginalised communities,” said Hon. Oliphant.
He further stated that the Office of the Premier, which should be leading by example, has failed to meet its employment equity obligations.

“We will also request the Department of Labour to investigate the provincial government’s overall non-compliance with employment equity targets set for the period 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2025, as no meaningful progress has been made,” he added.
Dr. Dennis Matotoka, CEO of the Commission for Gender Equality, confirmed that the Commission has engaged the provincial government on employment transformation since 2011, but progress remains slow.

“Equitable representation of previously disadvantaged groups—particularly women—in leadership roles is critical. Departments must adopt innovative, inclusive strategies to meet employment equity targets. Unfortunately, current recruitment practices are falling short,” said Dr. Matotoka.

In closing, Hon. Oliphant reiterated the Committee’s position:
“The provincial government must review these appointments, as they undermine the employment equity framework and continue to exclude those it is meant to uplift. The Premier and selection panels will be called to the committee to account as the Premier as the appointing authority apologised for his absence from the committee”

For media enquiries or to arrange interviews with the Chairperson of the Committee, please contact:
Namhla Luhabe – 079 527 0628

Issued by:
North West Provincial Legislature – Media & Communications Unit
On behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Premier and Finance – Hon. Nathan Oliphant
ENDS