Calls for North West Premier Bushy Maape to vacate his office continue to gain momentum, especially after he invoked Chapter 6, Section 131 (1) (a) of the constitution and appointed ANC Provincial Chairperson Nono Maloyi to deliver his state of the province address.

On 8 February, Maape was in attendance when President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the State of the Nation address in Cape Town. Still, he could not deliver the North West SOPA on Tuesday (20/2).

‘His absence doesn’t instill confidence in the people’

DA Provincial Leader Freddy Sonakile told OFM News his party has called on the ANC to give Maape time to attend to his medical conditions. His absence doesn’t instill confidence in the people of the province. The ANC Youth League in the province has added its voice to calls for Maape to rest at home. Earlier this year, he travelled to Thailand, following advice and referrals from his doctors.

EFF North West Chairperson Shakes Botswe said they're requesting immediate resignation from Maape, citing that it concerns the EFF he was able to attend SONA and the questions and answers debate but couldn't be able to deliver SOPA.

OFM News has made numerous unsuccessful attempts to speak to ANC provincial spokesperson Tumelo Maruping.

OFM News/Joba Matsheng  dg