ANC lambastes Supra

PROTECTOR OUSTING: MAHUMAPELO OPPOSES IT, PARTY HAS NO STANCE

Statement yesterday makes it clear lawmaker was not speaking on behalf of the collective.

The ANC has distanced itself from claims, made by former North West premier and ANC MP Supra Mahumapelo, that the party will not support the motion brought by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to initiate the process to remove Busisiwe Mkhwebane as public protector.

Speaking outside the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court, where MP Bongani Bongo was appearing on charges of corruption last week, Mahumapelo said the ANC had not made a decision to remove Mkhwebane from her position.

He told SABC reporters: “The decision of the ANC is that Chapter 9 institutions must be supported and if there are issues relating to Chapter 9 institutions, they must be ventilated according to the rules of procedure that have been laid.

“Personally, as Supra Mahumapelo the member of parliament, I see no reason to remove the current public protector. She’s doing a marvellous job.”

But the ANC said Mahumapelo was not speaking as a representative of the party, adding that the party had not discussed its position on the matter. It said in a statement yesterday: “Mahumapelo spoke in his personal capacity and his views do not represent the organisation. It should be noted that the ANC has not yet discussed its position on the motion. The ANC caucus in parliament, guided by the national office, is the sole authority mandated to pronounce on positions of the ANC on matters before it, not individual members unless delegated.

“No single person is a leader unto himself or herself, but a member of a collective which should give considered canvassed guidance to membership.”

Last week, Speaker Thandi Modise approved a motion received from DA chief whip Natasha Mazzone requesting that parliament initiate proceedings for

I see no reason to remove the public protector. She’s doing a marvellous job.

Mkhwebane’s removal. National Assembly adopted new rules concerning the removal of office bearers in the institutions supporting constitutional democracy last December.

Parties have until 7 February to submit nominees, after which a panel will be appointed. Within 30 days of that, the panel must finalise a preliminary assessment on the motion proposing a section 194 inquiry and make a recommendation to the speaker.

Supra Mahumapelo ANC MP

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