SACP calls for thorough investigation on Supra's "gift" to Jacob Zuma

23 April 2018

The South African Communist Party (SACP) in Moses Kotane Province calls upon the African National Congress (ANC) to recall Premier Supra Mahumapelo if he does not resign. The Premier's factional approach on matters of the provincial government has led to widespread corruption and consequently loss of confidence by the people of North West Province in his capabilities.

We woke up on Sunday 22 April 2018 with the headline, "Supra's gift to Zuma", from the Sunday Times. This following week-long protests by the communities in the North West Province calling on him to step down. This also happens after the visit of ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa to the province, engaging ANC structures along with the Alliance on the protests and the call by communities and Alliance components for Mahumapelo to step down.

It appears that the so-called gift was bought with personal money. However, it is clear that the so-called gift - 24 Bonsmara cows - was bought through a government appointed Project Management Unit using money from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in the North West Province.

As the SACP calls upon the Premier to urgently suspend the Chief Financial Officer and the implicated Head of Department and institute disciplinary proceedings against them. He must also investigate the justification for former President Jacob Zuma to benefit in the small farmers' livestock empowerment programme and whether Nkandla forms part of the jurisdiction of the North West Province.

The Hawks must investigate the whole saga, including the Mahumapelo himself and former President Jacob Zuma, the implicated MEC, HOD, CFO and others.

The investigation must cover the current location of the cows and all the others, about 50 that were reportedly included in the transaction but are unaccounted for.

For once in his term as Premier, Mahumapelo must quickly act on people involved in the wrongdoing, regardless of whether they are in his close circle. The Mediosa gate suffered a delay. Such a delay must not be allowed. 

We call on the Police to ensure that a dedicated team with specialised skills and resources to prioritise this investigation.

Issued by SACP Moses Kotane Province

Contact

Madoda Sambatha
Provincial Secretary)
072 198 5433

Or

Nick Mapheela
Provincial Spokesperson
072 466 7557