Political parties in the North West have expressed mixed reactions to the news that Premier Bushy Maape will next Monday resume his official duties following his five-month sick leave period.
According to the office of the Premier he took ill in June following a minor orthopaedic surgery and was advised by his medical team to take a rest while receiving medical attention.
The MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, has been acting in the position since Maape’s leave of absence.
“Premier Maape has since been medically advised that he has sufficiently recovered to resume his duties as Premier with effect from the 13th of November 2023.
His programme and engagement with stakeholders will be communicated in due course,” read a statement from the Premier’s office.
The African National Congress (ANC) in the province expressed gratitude to Maloyi, and welcomed Maape’s resumption of duties, adding that it will continue with the government work and the implementation of the ruling party’s manifesto.
“Comrade Bushy Maape is coming back, and he will continue the work done by the acting Premier, as mandated by him.
Remember the acting premier was appointed by him personally to continue the work of the government,” said ANC spokesperson Tumelo Maruping who was speaking on YouFM News Hour programme.
According to Maruping, government programs such as the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme,Thuntsha Lerole, among others will continue unhindered.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the meanwhile said it is not expecting anything new from Maape.
The party’s Provincial Secretary Paiki Babuile said the party is not “convinced that Maape will bring any changes, besides the run around that his party does during the election period and will go back to its ways of not delivering to the people.”
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance Spokesperson on Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs, Freddy Sonakile said the party is concerned that Maape has been out of action for a long period considering that his term of office is left with only six months.
He however added that they are looking forward to having Maape in office and for him to account for the government’s poor performance.