TZANEEN – A new councillor was sworn in, but is a mayoral shake-up coming?

The swearing in of Odas Ngobeni as a proportional representative (PR) councillor at the Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM) has sparked speculation that Tzaneen might soon have a new mayor.

Ngobeni was sworn in during a special council meeting on Friday, May 8, following the recent resignation of ANC PR councillor Tennison Ngobeni.

Ngobeni now serves on the council’s finance, budget, and treasury committee. His appointment was well-received by council members, including Mayor Gerson Molapisane.

Placed to take over as mayor?

However, many are speculating that Ngobeni might soon become mayor of GTM.

Speaking to the Herald, a source said Ngobeni was placed as a PR councillor so that he could take over from Molapisane, but the current mayor is not leaving without a fight and is refusing to step down.

As a Tzaneen resident, Ngobeni previously served as head of communications and spokesperson for the Mopani District Municipality. He resigned from that position shortly before the announcement.

As a precautionary measure, the GTM council offices in Agatha Street were closed by acting municipal manager Freedom Mthethwa during the special council sitting, with access restricted to councillors and municipal officials only.

Police and protesters outside

Police and protesters were present outside the building. According to an eyewitness, the protesters were ANC members calling for the mayor’s resignation.

Municipality responds

The municipality said that matters relating to political party deployments are handled by the relevant political party structures.

“At present, Councillor Molapisane remains the duly elected Mayor of the Greater Tzaneen Municipality and continues to execute his responsibilities in line with the legislative and governance framework governing local government,” said Vutivi Makhubele, GTM spokesperson.

“The institution remains fully operational and committed to ensuring continuity in service delivery, good governance, and stability for all communities within the municipal area.”

Political landscape shifting

The political landscape of the municipality has shifted after President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of the election date: November 4.

Former GTM mayor Maripe Mangena has now joined ActionSA, followed by former ANCYL provincial spokesperson and ANCYL National Executive Committee member Dr Mikia Ramothwala.

Other members who recently resigned from the governing party to join Herman Mashaba’s party include:

• Pleasure Hlungwani
• Tsietsi Diphala
• Reuben Mosila

Mayoral candidates to be announced

According to Tshepo Magoma, ActionSA Limpopo spokesperson, the party will announce its mayoral candidates for Tzaneen on June 13.