Supra to lose control over North West’s millions – report

A report in Sunday Times claims that National Treasury will step in in the wake of protests against North West premier Supra Mahumapelo to take control of the province’s finances.

It will also reportedly be investigating contracts and tenders amid allegations of widespread corruption in the province, insiders told the paper.

The province’s health department has already been placed under administration.

Mahumapelo said this week he welcomed Cabinet’s decision to put the provincial health department under administration.

He had earlier appointed a team of three MECs to intervene in the department of health and said the team has made strides in their engagement with the National Education Health and Allied Union (Nehawu), which would be shared with the national task team.

A ministerial team headed by minister in the presidency for planning, monitoring and evaluation Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma was also appointed this week by President Cyril Ramaphosa to establish the facts on the ground in the province.

The team is expected to submit a report in the next two weeks. Their report will assist in determining any further interventions that may still be required.

Mahumapelo said the province would cooperate with the team.

There has been a wave of violent protests in North West in recent weeks calling for Mahumapelo to resign.