By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) in the North West is hosting the 2024 PEC Lekgotla from 10-11 February 2024 at Rustenburg Civic Centre, in Rustenburg.
Today is day two of the ANC’s Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) Lekgotla.
Tumelo Maruping, provincial spokesperson, says the Lekgotla is expected to assess the state of the organisation and the performance of the government in implementing its Manifesto and resolutions taken in the 2023 Lekgotla as well as directives in between.
The province has been struggling with a number of service delivery problems, including poor water and sanitation provision.
Nono Maloyi has taken charge as acting premier in line with Chapter 6, Section 131(1)(a) of the Constitution of the Republic for the second time, a move that opposition parties in the province say is a clear indication that Premier Bushy Maape’s time of office is over.
Maape’s time back in the office after being on sick leave for nearly five months following a surgical procedure last June has been short-lived as he was referred for further medical care in Thailand.
Maloyi is the ANC provincial chairman and the MEC of co-operative governance, human settlement and traditional affairs.
DA MPL Freddy Sonakile said though the party caucus wished Maape a speedy recovery, there were concerns about the premier seeking treatment abroad.
“He is seeking medical treatment abroad instead of facilities in the province. [This] indicates his vote of no confidence in the provincial facilities,” Sonakile said
Sonakile said the party appealed to Maape to resign to focus on his health.
“We appeal to him again to resign so that he can focus on his health. The continued stand-ins for him does not bode well for the proper administration and good governance. The instability in the highest office is concerning, considering that acting premier [Nono Maloyi] already has enough on his plate running a department that oversees North West’s ailing municipalities.”
EFF North West provincial leader Shakes Botswe said, “We strongly believe the man is too old and he cannot take this thing any more. We feel as the EFF that he should just resign and go home to take care of his grandchildren. He is too old to continue to be the premier of the North West, “Botswe said.
Maruping adds in a quest to accelerate much-needed services in the province, the PEC Lekgotla will amongst other things highlight a clear implementation plan on priorities that President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined during the January 8 Statement.
Maruping further said the Lekgotla will discuss how the province can contribute to finding a lasting solution to the country’s energy challenges.