Supra Mahumapelo slams ‘parts’ of ANC step aside policy

Former African National Congress (ANC) Chairperson and Premier of the North West, Supra Mahumapelo, has become the latest to criticise the party’s controversial step aside resolution. Mahumapelo has accused the ANC of violating the constitution, by implementing it, at least in its entirety.

He addressed ANC branch members in Delareyville, North West on Sunday, 15 April 2021. His comments come just days before the deadline lapses for members facing criminal charges, to either step aside or be suspended, as per the resolution.

Mahumapelo claims some parts of the resolution are in conflict with the law and has called on the National Executive Committee (NEC) – the ANC’s highest decision-making body, to intervene.

“Some parts of the resolutions are in conflict with the law and life must go on. The revolution must go on. In my own view as SOR Mahumapelo from ward 6,7,12, I’m saying part of that resolution in conflict with the law must be suspended until we go to the next national conference,” he said.

The interim provincial committee (IPC) of the ANC in the North West temporarily suspended Mahumapelo, after he told the Mayor of JB Marks Local Municipality, Kgotso Khumalo to not surrender his post – despite the IPC ordering him to do so, citing corruption charges Khumalo faced.

ANC step aside policy could be challenged in court

Supra Mahumapelo further said in implementing the step aside resolution, the ANC must respect the constitution of the republic and the rule of law.

Similarly to ANC secretary general Ace Magashule, Mahumapelo argued that the resolution doesn’t necessarily state that members facing criminal charges must be the ones to step aside. This is contrary to what ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa had declared, following that heated NEC meeting back in March.

“When we force you to step aside and you don’t do voluntarily and we push you into the DC, we are flouting the constitution of the republic because the constitution of the republic says you are innocent until proven guilty”

Former ANC North West Chairperson Supra Mahumapelo

He said the policy could be successfully overturned by a court of law.

“If anybody can go to court and challenge the legality of the decisions of the NEC on the rights that must accrue to citizens that happen to find themselves in the ANC, anybody who can go to court will win in court against the ANC because our decision is flouting some aspects of the law of the republic,” Mahumapelo said.