The Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Congress of the People (COPE) say the current political impasse in the North West province is a litmus test for President Cyril Ramaphosa and his commitment to uprooting corruption.
The DA Chief Whip John Steenhuisen and the National Chairperson of COPE Pakes Dikgetsi were in province to discuss the state of affairs in North West after Premier Supra Mahumapelo reneged on his promise to resign from office.
John Steenhuisen says:”We need to see some decisive action here from Mr Ramaphosa. This is of course a test of his Presidency and speaks to the fact that Ramaphosa is not completely in control of his party across the country.”
Meanwhile, the COPE has appealed to President Ramaphosa to take a more decisive stance and not follow in the footsteps of former President Jacob Zuma.
COPE National Chairperson Pakes Dikgetsi says:”With the state of affairs that you see in North West the collapse of municipalities, rampant irregular expenditure, rampant corruption, no accountability; that is enough in itself to have Supra Mahumapelo removed.”
Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has confirmed that they are still awaiting a response from the Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature regarding the letter they wrote challenging the decision by the ANC PEC to place Mahumapelo on a so called leave of absence.
According to the EFF, the Speaker has been given 72 hours since last Thursday to respond to the letter, failing which their lawyers will file court papers to challenge the appointment.
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