Ramaphosa locked in talks to restore calm in Mahikeng

President Cyril Ramaphosa is still trying to resolve a political impasse involving the fate of embattled North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo.

Violence continued in the capital Mafikeng as protestors take to the streets to demand that Mahumapelo resign or be recalled by the party’s leadership.

A meeting got underway late on Friday afternoon after Ramaphosa cut short his trip to London where he was attending the Commonwealth heads of state summit.

The meeting is expected to continue till late as Ramaphosa, other top six officials and national executive committee members (NEC) try to intervene in the political impasse.

“The fact that the president had to cut his UK trip short, shows you the seriousness of this issue,” Mabe said while addressing media at the Heritage House in Mahikeng.

He said the various structures had already begun raising their issues.

Mahumapelo was due to face a vote of no confidence earlier this week, however it was postponed after the Economic Freedom Fighters went to court demanding that the Speaker allow a secret ballot.

Some ANC MPLs told News24 at the time that there were enough members to ensure that the opposition’s motion to oust him succeeded.

NEC members including Bheki Cele, Senzo Mchunu, Obed Bapela and Malusi Gigaba are some of the senior members attending the tense meeting on Friday.

The party has also extended the invite to Mahumapelo’s biggest detractors, who once served in the provincial executive, including China Dodovu and former leaders in an effort to find solutions.Alliance partners SANCO, COSATU and SACP and the party’s women and youth leagues are also in the meeting.  

“We will involve as many people as possible so that they are also part of contributing to those resolutions.”

Protests against Mahumapelo brought the town to a standstill on Thursday as burning tyres and rocks were used to barricade the road.

Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Adele Myburgh said 16 people had been arrested since the protests started.Mabe said the ANC would never promote the destruction of public property.On Monday, the ANC will give the report to the NWC.

The ANC led by Ramaphosa will come back to the province to meet with communities in various villages.

“We are quite serious about listening to the concerns of the people to find solutions to their concerns and grievances. Whatever we are doing here, it is going to be the people and the people who comes first.”