Supra Mahumapelo still suspended, ANC North West tells Ace

The ANC’s North West Coordinator Hlomani Chauke has hit back at secretary general Ace Magashule, insisting that Supra Mahumapelo’s membership from the party remains suspended. This comes after Magashule wrote to Mahumapelo to inform him that he was still a member of the ANC, pending the appeal of his suspension.

Mahumapelo and the acting ANC Women’s league secretary Bitsa Lekonpane were both suspended for five years from the party, after the ANC interim provincial committee (IPC) found them guilty of sowing divisions, following disciplinary hearings held on Monday and Tuesday.

In a letter addressed to Magashule, Chauke makes several points – including that the SG misinterpreted rules cited in the ANC constitution.

Mahumapelo said he was challenging his suspension, which Magashule confirmed.

“In your letter you have formally lodged your appeal against the decision in terms of Rule 25.36 of the constitution. Your appeal has been referred to the NDCA. Your membership of the ANC remains intact,” he said.

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  JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – MAY 23: Former North West premier Supra Mahumapelo is seen with Ace Magashule during a media briefing to announce his resignation at Luthuli House on May 23, 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Mahumapelo announced that he is taking “early retirement” as premier of the North West. (Photo by Gallo Images / Netwerk24 / Felix Dlangamandla)

However, according to Chauke, an appeal from the Provincial Disciplinary Committee (which suspended Mahumapelo) can only be lodged with the National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) and not the National Disciplinary Committee of Appeals (NDCA), which Mahumapelo’s matter has apparently been referred to.

ANC North West vs Ace Magashule

Hlomani Chauke further said that there was no proof that Supra Mahumapelo’s appeal had been lodged with the NDCA and asked that Magashule’s office provide evidence which proves otherwise.

“As far as the provincial structure is concerned, there is no appeal pending with the National Disciplinary Committee of Appeals and therefore, the decision of the Provincial Disciplinary Committee remains in force and effect,” Chauke said.

“Secretary General Office did not have an authority of the ANC NEC by stating that the membership of the comrade SOR Mahumapelo and comrade Bitsa Lekonpane is/are intact as provided for in Rule 25.44 of the ANC Constitution”

ANC North West Coordinator Hlomani Chauke