BUSHY Maape, widely described as a key ally of President Cyril Ramaphosa, has been announced as Premier-elect for the North West after Job Mokgoro was booted out by the ANC.
The announcement was made by ANC’s interim provincial committee (IPC) coordinator Hlomani Chauke.
Chauke confirmed that Maape’s appointment would go ahead, despite Mokgoro not resigning from his position.
“The appointment of cadre Maape as the premier-elect is intended to entrench the work done by the ANC-led provincial government and expedite the rollout of radical socio-economic transformation in the province,” said Chauke.
“In working together with the IPC and various provincial stakeholders, cadre Bushy will lead from the front as we continue to battle Covid-19 and economic challenges. The IPC firmly believes that cadre Maape is equal to the task expected to be delivered as outlined in our election manifesto.”
The IPC has been calling for the removal of Mokgoro who they accuse of not taking instructions from the party.
The IPC says Mokgoro was removed from his position as premier because under his leadership, municipalities collapsed in the province.
Mokgoro took over the reins in 2018 as part of attempts to bring stability back to the province.
Meanwhile, there was a strong police presence outside the ANC North West provincial offices after those opposed to the removal of Mokgoro as premier protested and burnt tyres.
This is a developing story.
- Inside Politics
