The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Premier and Finance has issued a scathing rebuke of the provincial government’s poor track record on gender equity in top leadership roles.
Chaired by Nathan Oliphant, the Committee expressed "deep disappointment" after it emerged that out of 12 departmental Heads of Department (HoDs), only one woman— Kgomotso Mahlobo of Human Settlements—has been appointed.
This revelation came during an oversight meeting held with the Office of the Premier, focusing on employment equity within senior management ranks, especially Deputy Directors-General (DDGs) and HoDs.
“It is unacceptable that a government led by a majority female Executive Council—six women out of ten—has failed to reflect that same commitment in its top administrative appointments,” said Hon. Oliphant.
Of the 11 DDG positions not tied to HoD roles, eight have been filled—six by African men, one by an African woman, and one by an Indian man. Three posts remain vacant.
“This clearly fails to represent the demographics of our province and shows a disturbing lack of urgency in transforming public sector leadership,” Oliphant added.
Acting Premier and MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Kenetswe Mosenogi, acknowledged the report’s findings and confirmed that three HoD positions remain unfilled. However, the Committee reminded her that these same posts had previously been flagged due to non-compliance with recruitment requirements—particularly the prioritization of women and persons with disabilities.
“Appointing more men would contradict both the South African Constitution and the province’s own equity policies. This unlawful deviation from the advertised equity priorities would not only be a step backward but a betrayal of efforts to redress historic imbalances,” Oliphant warned.
The Committee has now called for a full employment equity implementation report from all departments and urged the Office of the Premier to reconsider pending appointments that have not yet been finalized.
“There’s a serious concern that transformation has stalled. Transparency is appreciated, but action is now required to correct this imbalance,” concluded Oliphant.
A follow-up meeting will be scheduled once the reports are submitted, and the Committee has made it clear that real progress—not just paperwork—is expected.
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Updated: June 2025
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