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 The latest seizure of R24 million worth of assets from Member of Parliament and former Social Development HOD Yolanda Botha cannot be ignored by Northern Cape Premier Grizelda Cjiekella.

The same company which Ms Botha allegedly benefitted from financially in exchange for lease agreements with government, was also paying Finance MEC John Block and Social Development MEC Alvin Botes.

In principle, there is no difference between Trifecta’s R500 000 contribution to renovating Ms Botha’s home and the R650 000 given to MEC Block’s Upington guesthouse. The same can be said for the retainer that MEC Botes was paid by Trifecta to allegedly exert political influence on the awarding of contracts. In fact, MEC Botes has publically admitted to being paid a retainer and the upgrades to MEC Block’s guesthouse are well-documented.

There can be no double standards on this issue: Premier Cjiekella cannot be silent on MEC Block and MEC Botes’ links to Trifecta and the alleged criminality that has transpired.

The Premier must set up an enquiry into all Trifecta’s lease agreements in the Northern Cape. Failure to do so will mean that the image of the most senior members of provincial government will continue to remain tainted.

MEC Block is in charge of the province’s finances and only the highest standards of ethical leadership should apply. The tired argument of “innocent until proven guilty” is quite frankly being abused by this government.

The DA will be tabling a motion in the legislature calling on the house to instruct the Premier to suspend both MECs until their roles in the Trifecta scandal are fully investigated.

Premier Cjiekella must act with in the interests of clean governance and integrity. The fact that MEC’s Block and Botes are political seniors to the Premier must not be put ahead of acting without fear or favour.

The growing web of links between senior ANC and government figures in the Northern Cape cannot be tolerated when the need for good governance is so great. The DA will continue pushing for action this from the Premier in the interests of the public.