By Obakeng Maje and Sabc
Mahikeng-ANC Chairperson in the North West, Supra Mahumapelo, says the decision on whether he will become the next premier lies entirely with President Jacob Zuma and the deployment committee of the party.

This as political commentators predict Mahumapelo’s rise to the top seat in the province.

The ANC’s alliance partners on the other hand, say the ruling party must start preparing for the 2016 local government elections immediately.
 
ANC reclaimed the North West by 67.4%. The province has been marred by violent service delivery protests over the past few months in areas such as Bloemhof and Khunotswane.

Mahumapelo says they will be attending to the challenges in those areas.  He says they will also address issues such as non-provision of water in other areas.

On the issue of premiership, Mahumapelo says he will lead the province only if asked to do so by the ruling party.

“Of course I hear people saying that Supra Mahumapelo is going to be premier of the North West – it’s not true. What happens in the African National Congress is that the Provincial Executive Committees throughout the country are going to be recommending three names to the National Executive Committee which will have discussions. Thereafter a decision will finally be taken and it will be announced by the President of the Republic and the president of the ANC comrade Jacob Zuma.”

The ANC has been celebrating its victory in the province’s districts. It started at the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, followed by Bojanala, Ngaka Modiri Molema and ended in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati.

On the issue of premiership, Mahumapelo says he will lead the province only if asked to do so by the ruling party.

Mahumapelo has thanked everyone who assisted them in reclaiming the province, including their alliance partners.

“We want to thank our volunteers, our party agents our mobilisers on the ground. We also want to extend our gratitude to the people of the North West for showing confidence in the African National Congress – we got two thirds by the way.”

ANC NEC is hosting a two day meeting where amongst things being discussed, is who will lead the provinces as premiers.

President Jacob Zuma will announced names few days after being inaugurated as the president of the Republic.-TDN
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_