Picture: ANCYL leaders in North West, Wessel Morweng and Tshiamo Tsotetsi
By OBAKENG MAJE
The ANC in North West has dragged the ANCYL leaders, who called for the removal of the “sick” North West Premier, Bushy Maape. The buoyed ANCYL leaders in North West last week said, Maape must go on an early retirement.
It’s been two months since Maape was missing in action due to illness. According to the ANCYL provincial secretary, Tshiame Tsotetsi, the premiership position is strategic and a bedrock of the implementation of key government policy in particular and service delivery in general.
Tsotetsi further said a lack thereof, makes it arduous for government to properly function. He added that the people of North West deserve a full complement of leadership in order for them to realise their desired goals.
“It is worth noting that, Maape has excelled with distinction in stabilisation of government post-administration. We have seen steady improvement in all departments post-administration.
“There is empirical evidence that, a substantial Premier will assist in the implementation of government work. The engagement pertaining to this matter must ensue in the movement and way forward must ensue,” he said.
Tsotetsi said they will have a consultative engagement with the ANC in the province to discuss the matter forward.
Maape spokesperson, Sello Tatai said then: “Maape underwent a surgery. He was admitted to Wilmed Park Hospital in Klerksdorp for a minor orthopedic procedure. So, the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) wishes to inform the public and residents of the province that, the surgery was successful and Maape is recuperating well.
“The doctors are happy with his recovery. The Members of the Executive Council (MECs) and the Office of the Premier have sent their good wishes to Maape, who is due to resume his normal official schedule in the coming week.”
Taung DailyNews understands that, the ANC in the province has dragged the ANCYL to the disciplinary hearing that is underway as we speak to come and explain their utterances and they are allegedly facing suspension.
The ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping who did not deny nor confirm whether the ANCYL leaders appeared before the Provincial Disciplinary Committee said, he will shed more light on the matter later on.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in North West said it demands an update on Maape’s extended sick leave.
The DA Caucus Leader in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Freddy Sonakile said: “The DA requests that the North West Provincial Government disclose information surrounding Maape’s extended sick leave. Two months after the start of his sick leave, there has been no update from his office besides the fact that he is recuperating at home.
“The DA sympathises with Maape and wishes him good health, however, North West residents need to know the extent of his sick leave. The recent calls for his removal are rather opportunistic since we have long said that he is not fit for the job and should have been removed when he saw nothing wrong with the province’s killer potholes.”
Sonakile said, if he is critically ill, the North West Provincial Legislature should consider replacing him. He said the North West Cooperative Governance and Human Settlements MEC, Nono Maloyi is moonlighting as Premier, reporting to himself.
“He holds a key position in a service delivery department that is currently presiding over failed North West municipalities and must address the housing crisis in the province.
“The DA will closely monitor how this situation unfolds and will not hesitate to table a motion of no confidence in Maape on the grounds that he is unable to perform the functions of the office, citing both his incompetence and continued absence,” said Sonakile.
The Guardian 