The North West ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) has temporarily suspended former provincial chairperson Supra Mahumapelo’s membership in the party.
In a statement on Wednesday, IPC said the suspension will be in place pending the outcome of disciplinary process against Mahumapelo.
‘Ill-discipline’
It added that the former North West Premier faces several charges related to “ill-discipline,” including organising a parallel campaign rally aimed at sowing divisions in the party.
Mahumapelo allegedly organised the rally with the ANC Women’s League provincial secretary Bitsa Lekonpane in Mareestsane in December last year.
It reportedly took place within metres of the party’s official siyanqoba rally organised by the IPC.
Furthermore, Mahumapelo allegedly instructed JB Marks municipality’s executive mayor, Kgotso Khumalo, to defy an IPC directive to step aside from his position.
The Hawks arrested Khumalo and other suspects on October last year. They face charges linked to an undeclared R5 million belonging to the municipality which allegedly ended up in their private bank accounts.
According to the ANC’s 2017 national conference resolution and National Executive Committee (NEC) decisions, party members who face corruption and other serious charges must step aside from their positions.
Mahumapelo is among ANC leaders opposed to this policy. It is understood that he was scheduled to meet the IPC on Wednesday after failing to failing to appear before it in February.
Possible recall
Should he be found guilty, he could be recalled from his role as an MP and chairperson of Parliament’s portfolio committee on tourism.
He resigned as Premier in 2018 following a period of street protests in the North West and pressure from the ANC.
In 2019, the party’s NEC also disbanded the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) that he had led since 2011, sparking legal challenges from his supporters.