Share

ANC vows to work around the clock to resolve political impasse in Mahikeng

The ANC has vowed to try and resolve the political impasse that has seen violence erupt around Mahikeng, in the North West as calls for embattled Premier Supra Mahumapelo's removal gain momentum.

ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe addressed the media just after 19:00 reassuring them that President Cyril Ramaphosa would address the nation as soon as meetings had concluded.

"We are not going to leave the North West with not having the president spoken to the people."

Speaking outside the venue where the meetings were being held, Mabe urged community members to go home and watch the president's address from home.

He added that the party's leagues and alliance partners had already made presentations during the meeting.

Earlier, the ANC said its National Working Committee was expected to discuss Mahumapelo's fate on Monday after meeting with structures in the province on Friday.

The meeting got underway late on Friday afternoon after Ramaphosa cut short his trip to London where he was attending the Commonwealth heads of state summit.

The meeting is expected to continue till late as Ramaphosa, other top six officials and National Executive committee members try to intervene in the political impasse.

Violence has continued in the capital Mafikeng as protestors take to the streets to demand that Mahumapelo resign or be recalled by the party's leadership.

"The fact that the president had to cut his UK trip short, shows you the seriousness of this issue," Mabe said while addressing media at the Heritage House in Mahikeng.

READ: Ramaphosa cuts short UK visit to resolve Mahikeng chaos

He said the various structures had already begun raising their issues.

Mahumapelo was due to face a vote of no confidence earlier this week, however, it was postponed after the Economic Freedom Fighters went to court demanding that the Speaker allow a secret ballot.

Some ANC MPLs had told News24 at the time that there were enough members to ensure that the opposition's motion to oust him succeeded.

National Executive Committee members including Bheki Cele, Senzo Mchunu, Obed Bapela and Malusi Gigaba are some of the senior members attending the tense meeting on Friday.

The party has also extended the invite to Mahumapelo's biggest detractors who once served in the provincial executive including China Dodovu and former leaders in an effort to find solutions.

Alliance partners SANCO, COSATU and SACP and the party's women and youth leagues are also in the meeting.
 
"We will involve as many people as possible so that they are also part of contributing to those resolutions."

Protests against Mahumapelo brought the town to a standstill on Thursday as burning tyres and rocks were used to barricade the road.

Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Adele Myburgh said 16 people had been arrested since the protests started.

Mabe said the ANC would never promote the destruction of public property.

WATCH: 'If Ramaphosa doesn't act radically, government buildings could burn'


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Can radio hosts and media personalities be apolitical?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes, impartiality is key for public trust
33% - 396 votes
No, let's be real, we all have inherent biases
67% - 821 votes
Vote
Rand - Dollar
19.11
+0.3%
Rand - Pound
23.66
+0.7%
Rand - Euro
20.37
+0.1%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.27
+0.2%
Rand - Yen
0.12
+0.2%
Platinum
940.70
-1.0%
Palladium
1,031.00
+0.2%
Gold
2,394.00
+0.6%
Silver
28.62
+1.4%
Brent Crude
87.11
-0.2%
Top 40
67,314
+0.2%
All Share
73,364
+0.1%
Resource 10
63,285
-0.0%
Industrial 25
98,701
+0.3%
Financial 15
15,499
+0.1%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE