Supra Obakeng Ramoeletsi Mahumapelo is a prominent South African politician who served as the Premier of North West Province from May 2014 to May 2018. His political journey, marked by significant achievements and controversies, reflects his influence within the African National Congress (ANC) and his impact on South African politics. Here are 15 facts about Supra Mahumapelo:
1. Born in Manamolelo, Western Transvaal
Supra Mahumapelo was born on June 7, 1968, in Manamolelo, a village near Delareyville in the former Western Transvaal (now part of the North West province). His upbringing in a rural area shaped his later political and leadership style.
2. Early Life and Family Background
He grew up as a herd boy in his village. His mother, Agnes Matlakala Bereng, was a domestic worker, and his father, Stephen Kalagongwe Mahumapelo, was an entrepreneur. Supra encouraged his mother to leave domestic work in 1995, marking a turning point in his family’s life.
3. Education and Qualifications
Mahumapelo attended several schools, including Marotse Primary, Tlotlego Middle School, and Phatshima High School. He matriculated at Kgamanyane High School in Moruleng. He later obtained a National Diploma in Commercial Practice from the former Transvaal Northern Technikon and pursued further education at the University of South Africa, earning a Certificate in Public Finance and Economics. He also holds a master’s degree in Political Economy from the University of Port Elizabeth.
4. Political Activism and Early Leadership
Supra Mahumapelo’s political career began with his active involvement in student leadership. He became a key figure in student movements, which laid the foundation for his future political roles.
5. ANC Provincial Secretary of North West (2005-2009)
Mahumapelo served as the Provincial Secretary of the ANC in North West from 2005 to 2009. This position was critical in consolidating his influence within the ANC at the provincial level.
6. Chairperson of the ANC North West (2011-2018)
He was elected the Provincial Chairperson of the ANC in North West in 2011, a position he held until 2018. During this time, Mahumapelo became a central figure in the provincial politics of the ANC.
7. Premier of North West (2014-2018)
Supra Mahumapelo served as the Premier of North West from May 2014 to May 2018. His tenure was marked by ambitious development projects and governance challenges.
8. Resignation Amid Protests (2018)
Mahumapelo’s time as Premier ended in May 2018 following violent service delivery protests across the province. Calls for his resignation were made by various unions, opposition parties, and citizens dissatisfied with his leadership.
9. Service Delivery Protests
The province was rocked by protests demanding improved public services. Strikes by the National Education, Health, and Allied Workers’ Union further contributed to the unrest, culminating in Mahumapelo stepping down.
10. President Ramaphosa’s Intervention
In April 2018, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government intervened by placing the province’s finance and health departments under national administration. This was the first time such an intervention was implemented on a provincial level in South Africa.
11. Province-wide Administration
Following the protests and poor governance issues, the entire North West provincial government was placed under administration. The intervention, led by Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, aimed to address systemic issues such as corruption, inefficiency, and mismanagement.
12. Early Retirement and Resignation
Amid mounting pressure and the provincial government being placed under administration, Mahumapelo took a leave of absence in May 2018 and announced his “early retirement” on May 23. He formally stepped down as Premier and resigned from his seat in the provincial legislature on June 22, 2018.
13. Job Mokgoro Succeeds Him as Premier
Following Mahumapelo’s resignation, Job Mokgoro was appointed to succeed him as the Premier of North West. Mokgoro’s appointment was seen as a move to restore stability in the province.
14. Appointment as Head of ANC’s Provincial Political School
After his resignation, Mahumapelo continued to play an active role in the ANC. He was appointed to head the ANC’s provincial political school, where he focused on political education and the development of future ANC leaders in the province.
15. A Versatile Politician and Singer
Beyond politics, Supra Mahumapelo is also known for his passion for music. He is a talented singer, and his involvement in cultural and social activities adds another dimension to his political persona.