André Duvenhage says Maape, who ascended to this office following the controversial sacking of former Premier Job Mokgoro, will also be forced to speak on the provision of basic and adequate service delivery.

READ MORE: Mokgoro says he was forced out of office

He says some major issues which Maape will be forced to speak on, include water and electricity, among others.

Duvhenage says he also expects Maape to touch on the political stability in the province, which, according to many commentators, has proved to be a major problem in North West.

“We know that there are major problems at local level, as far as service delivery is concerned. I think he might also touch on the whole of political stability issue, because there are some problems with coalition politics and coalition politics has its own dynamics. I think some of these may be the important things he will touch on,” he adds.

Maape will on Friday, February 18, deliver his first SOPA at the official opening of the Provincial Legislature Chamber in Mahikeng.

The sitting will be presided over by the Speaker of the Legislature, Sussana Dantjie.

Maape’s spokesperson, Sello Tatai, says in his address Maape is expected to highlight the provincial government’s plans to resuscitate the economy, expedite the delivery of basic services, and creation of jobs.

READ MORE: Bushy Maape officially elected as NW Premier

Maape, who is an ANC veteran, was officially and formally elected as North West Premier on 7 September 2021 at the Provincial Legislature. During a special sitting, the 64-year-old former Robben Island prisoner received 21 of the 29 available votes.

OFM News