PETER BRUCE: North West: a symptom of poor thinking on federalism
The crisis in North West is proof that outdated federalism does not work. Provinces just get in the way
Tomorrow, apparently, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma is due to announce details of national government’s extraordinary decision to take over, almost completely, the government of the North West Province. Just in case you’re a bit like me and still get confused about where some provinces end and where some begin, North West runs along a lot of the border between SA and Botswana and then juts into Gauteng, the Free State and the Northern Cape. Its capital is Mahikeng (formerly Mafikeng) but its biggest city is, wait for it, Klerksdorp. It incorporates what was once the Bophuthatswana Bantustan and is home to some of the world’s biggest platinum mines. President Cyril Ramaphosa appears to have decided to take over the provincial government after its leadership simply dissolved into thin air. After weeks of violent demonstrations and in the face of a health service brought to a complete standstill by strike action, the province’s premier, Supra Mahumapelo, put himself on special leave and appoi...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.