ANC in race to replace Mahumapelo

The ANC is in a race against time to appoint a new North West premier or risk having the entire provincial government dissolved.

The ANC is in a race against time to appoint a new premier for the North West or risk having the entire provincial government dissolved.

According to the Constitution, if the province fails to elect a new premier within 30 days the entire provincial legislature will be dissolved.

Former premier Supra Mahumapelo resigned 27 days ago, which gives the ANC three more days to make an announcement.

The ANC special national executive committee meeting sat in Irene, Pretoria, on Monday but was unable to decide on who would replace Mahumapelo. The decision has now been deferred to the national working committee.

ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule said the working committee has been mandated to take a decision on the premier candidate by Thursday.

A special meeting of the working committee will be held on Wednesday.

In the meantime, North West speaker Susan Dantjie has informed all MPLs that Judge President Monica Leeuw has issued a notice convening a sitting of the provincial legislature to fill the vacancy of premier on Friday — which is the deadline.

It is understood that Dantjie is one of the people in the running for the position of premier.

IN SHAMBLES

The DA and EFF in the province have very little confidence in Dantjie, calling her a compromised candidate.

The North West government was in shambles under Mahumapelo’s watch, with numerous allegations of corruption and maladministration.

In May the province was embroiled in political turmoil, with riots and violent demonstrations against Mahumapelo, who initially refused to resign as premier. The national government then stepped in and put the province under administration.

In addition, the security cluster has stepped in to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration against Mahumapelo and members of his executive.

The EFF North West leader, Betty Diale, said the province was on the brink of collapse.

DA provincial leader Joe McGluwa said that since Mahumapelo’s resignation there had been no proof that an acting premier had been sworn in.

Spokesman for the North West speaker, Edwin Chaane, however said an acting premier was sworn in in terms of section 131 of the Constitution.

He said that on the same day Mahumapelo resigned, the provincial cabinet met and elected finance MEC Wendy Nelson to act in the position.

She was sworn in by the judge president, Chaane said.