ANC in race to appoint Mahumapelo successor

The governing party is racing against strict timelines set by the Constitution regarding the election of a leader for the North West province.

It's nearly a month after Supra Mahumapelo stepped down - with legislation giving the ruling party until Friday to swear in a new premier for the embattled province.

According to section 109(2)(b) of the Constitution, if there is a vacancy in the provincial legislature for more than 30 days - the legislature must dissolve.

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The ANC is expected to confirm the name of the new Premier today and tomorrow, before the swearing in ceremony in the provincial legislature chambers on Friday.

"The Special NEC mandated the NWC to take a decision on the Premier Candidate by Thursday the 21st of June 2018. In this regard, a Special NWC will sit on Wednesday the 20th of June 2018 to conclude on the matter," says ANC spokesperson, Pule Mabe.

Mahumapelo resigned on May 23, following weeks of violent protests.

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After being placed under administration, the Inter-Ministerial Task Team on North West updated Parliament on the state of affairs in the province.

It told MPs that irregular expenditure of R3.4 billion was recorded in the 2017/ 2018 financial year.