Mahumapelo’s days as North West premier may be numbered

A number of ANC members of the North West provincial legislature (MPLs) have reportedly indicated that they are ready to support a motion of no confidence in Premier Supra Mahumapelo.

This after the speaker of the legislature, Susan Dantjie, on Thursday annouced that the debate on the EFF motion would take place on April 17.

According to a City Press report, at least nine of the ANC’s 23 MPLs are likely to vote Mahumapelo out on condition that voting is done by way of a secret ballot.

The ANC has a total of 23 seats in the legislature. The opposition has 10 seats. One ANC MPL is understood to be ill and unable to participate in governance activities.

The provincial DA has supported the EFF’s motion and it will take a majority of 17 votes for the motion to succeed according to the report.

However, the provincial ANC leadership has reportedly warned its MPLs of consequences if they vote to oust Mahumapelo from power. While, the EFF said it would take Dantjie to court to force her to agree to a secret ballot if she rejects their request on the eve of the debate.

Mahumapelo has faced criticism from his opponents over a number of tender scandals that have recently been exposed in his administration that have seen the Hawks raid his offices last month.

There are reportedly three frontrunners that want to replace him as premier, provincial health MEC Magome Masike, ANC MP Philemon Mapulane and provincial executive committee member Mmoloki Cwaile.

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