Supra backers say he’s going ‘nowhere’

BACKERS of embattled North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo – whose entire provincial government has been put under administration – have vowed to fight against “political purging”.

On Friday, President Cyril Ramaphosa invoked section 100 of the constitution and took over the platinum province.

Mahumapelo is expected to present himself before the ANC’s Top Six this morning.

He will be questioned about his about-turn on his resignation, his leave of absence and his appointment of an acting premier.

The report of the outcomes of the inter-ministerial task team that probed allegations of corruption and maladministration are also expected to be on the table.

The team was led by Minister in the Presidency Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.

Mahumapelo’s supporters are currently mobilising ANC structures in the province in a bid to block calls for his ousting.

National Council of Provinces chairperson Thandi Modise has confirmed receiving communication from Ramaphosa about the placing of North West under administration.

Yesterday, regional leaders who support Mahumapelo said he was going nowhere.

“He is going nowhere. The premier is serving here based on the mandate of the people of this province. It is under his leadership that the ANC was voted into power in this province.

“But we hope that the president’s decision to take over the province is not informed by political interests of those who backed him in December,” an unidentified regional leader said.

Mahumapelo, a strong backer of former president Jacob Zuma, has been accused of using his position to facilitate the looting of state coffers for him and his inner political circle.

ANC national spokesperson Pule Mabe refused to comment on the North West impasse, insisting that the party’s leadership would first get reports on the latest developments and meet Mahumapelo before publicly stating its stand.

Cosatu provincial secretary Job Dliso applauded Ramaphosa’s decision.

“We applaud the president for this decision because this is what we suggested even to the inter-ministerial task team.”