According to a political analyst, Sethulego Matebesi from the University of the Free State (UFS), if Supra Mahumapelo was to be elected to any position of power at the conference this weekend, this would affect the Ramaphosa faction. His analysis comes as the ANC in the province prepares to hold its 9th elective conference to elect a new PEC after it was disbanded by the National Executive Committee (NEC) in 2018, whilst Mahumapelo was at the helm as the chairperson. The likes of Themba Gwabeni, who is a known fierce critic of Mahumapelo, recently announced that he will also contest for a position at the conference.

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“It is going be difficult because it seems as if Supra is popular in North West and then you got like you have mentioned, Themba Gwabeni, who is also a formidable candidate and very experienced. He has been around in the North West for some time, so they also do stand a chance. One way or the other, this will carry weight and will to a certain extent put some breaks on the so-called Ramaphosa faction to have an outright win, or what I will call a political whitewash of the outcome of the elections,” Matebesi adds.

Mahumapelo resigned as both premier and chairperson of the ANC’s PEC in 2018, following sporadic violent protests in cities like Mahikeng and Klerksdorp by irate residents over the alleged lack of service delivery.

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However, a few years later Mahumapelo declared his readiness to make a comeback to the provincial political landscape following the announcement by certain branches in Matlosana and others led by former Dr Kenneth Kaunda (DRKK) Regional Secretary, Lopang Rothman, that they want him to stand for the position of chairperson during the upcoming election.

Mahumapelo said he will abide by the request and wishes of his branch who have already declared openly that they want the former PEC chairperson back at the helm of the party.

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Mahumapelo, who is a strong ally of former president Jacob Zuma and suspended ANC Secretary-General (SG) Ace Magasgule, was previously suspended for five years by the ANC's IPC for allegedly encouraging former Potchefstroom-based JB Marks Municipality Mayor Kgotso Khumalo to not step aside.

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However, charges against others have since been dropped.

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