Staff Reporter.
North West Premier Job Mokgoro is a law unto himself and runs a rogue unit in his office, which often spies on some of his executive committee members and senior politicians in the province, according to the African National Congress (ANC) in the platinum-rich province.
The interim provincial committee (IPC) has, in a 14-page document complained to the ANC’s officials and its national executive committee about Mokgoro’s behaviour over recent years.
The report claims Mokgoro defended the appointment of the unnamed pair, saying they had been sent by former State Security Minister David Mahlobo to assist the province during the unrest in the lead up to former North West Premier and ANC chairperson Supra Mahumapelo’s downfall in 2018.
The premier, who took over on a temporary basis following Mahumapelo’s departure, was also accused of creating political instability. It is claimed he launched a campaign titled Self Liberation, which is said to be part of his personal campaign ahead of a much-anticipated provincial conference to elect new leadership.
The 14-page report, and an appeal for the NEC to intervene, was submitted to the party’s top leadership on August 11 last year.
Mokgoro has denied the claims.
“I really don’t know what this witch-hunt is about. I think they are in a better position to tell you about the rogue unit,” said Mokgoro, referring to the unnamed officials, adding that he was running his office in line with national norms and standards
The province’s municipalities have also been hit by protests and violence, which interim provincial committee members say are orchestrated and aimed at rendering the province ungovernable so that they will be recalled.
The ANC at national level also said it was concerned about the state of the organisation and its government in the North West.