Surprise at Supra inclusion in team

Ace says former premier will foster unity in ANC

Some ANC leaders in the North West are shell-shocked by the inclusion of Supra Mahumapelo in the party’s provincial task team (PTT).

PTT members are likely to become MECs should the ANC win the 2019 general elections.

Several ANC North West leaders said on Thursday that Mahumapelo was responsible for divisions in the province.

“We were surprised by Supra’s inclusion because he is the cause of all the problems,” a PTT member said.

The list of who should be part of the PTT was submitted to ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule, a known ally of Mahumapelo. The two and former president Jacob Zuma were part of a recent meeting in Durban which reportedly discussed a plot to unseat President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Earlier this year, Mahumapelo stepped down as premier amid allegations of corruption which included giving business to the controversial Gupta family.

Other notable inclusions in the PTT announced by Magashule in Johannesburg on Thursday were Mahumapelo’s lieutenants like provincial legislature speaker Susan Dantjie.

But his detractors such as Mmoloki Cwaile, who led a campaign to support Ramaphosa at the ANC’s national elective conference in Nasrec in December, were also included.

Magashule said: “The NEC agreed to set up an inclusive provincial task team that will be seized with the task of uniting the organisation.”

Magashule defended the inclusion of Mahumapelo. “The ANC recognises the strength of individuals. We have taken everybody we think are going to assist the ANC.”

The PTT will be led by premier Job Mokgoro as convener.