The ANC in the province had declined in the 2016 local government elections and fears were that a further decline in 2019 would contribute to the national tally.
After convening a special provincial executive committee (PEC) meeting on Wednesday, the ANC in Bokone Bophirima says no structure of the ANC asked embattled North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo to resign.
In a statement released on Wednesday evening, the PEC explains that since there was “no proper engagement” on the matter of Mahumapelo stepping down, it has instructed the premier to “withdraw his resignation comments and any process thereof, until proper consultations have been exhausted.”
As he delivered his budget speech on Tuesday morning, Mahumapelo had told the provincial legislature he would be handing over a letter to the Speaker by Friday. He did not say what the contents of the letter would be but speculation was that the letter would be about vacating his post.
READ MORE: ANC NW accepts Mahumapelo’s resignation with ‘apprehension ― but great pride’
When pressed by members of the media about reports of him stepping down, Mahumapelo said he would be “packing” his bags and “going home tomorrow”.
The PEC has since retracted the statement it issued on Tuesday night, where it accepted Mahumapelo’s resignation, saying it regrets the inconvenience caused by that statement.
The PEC has reiterated its support for Mahumapelo, urging him to take legal action against Revolutionary Council, which was one of the groups which had pressured President Cyril Ramaphosa to take action against Mahumapelo.
In order to “return peace and heal the province”, the committee says it will organise a provincial march of ANC structures with civil society groups to promote a “programme of Reconciliation, Healing and Renewal.”
Mahumapelo has also indicated that he will be visiting branches around the province as part of this process.
ANC Bokone Bophirima’s Post Special PEC Statement by Kiri Rupiah on Scribd