POLOKWANE – Polokwane Mayor John Mpe has strongly denied allegations of irregular tender awards and procurement misconduct within the municipality, describing the claims as politically motivated attempts to derail his leadership and future prospects within the ANC.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the Peter Mokaba Sports Complex’s press theater on Thursday, Mpe responded to social media posts that have circulated in recent days, which appear to include confidential financial documents allegedly showing questionable payments and procurement practices.

The mayor questioned why the Polokwane Municipality was being targeted and dismissed the allegations as part of a “deliberate and intensifying political campaign” by his detractors.

“The focus on Polokwane is not because of procurement irregularities, but because of a political campaign waged by those I defeated during the May regional conference and those hoping to block his rise ahead of the upcoming provincial conference,” he said.

Mpe emphasised that no law prohibits foreign nationals from conducting business with municipalities, provided they meet all legal and tax compliance requirements.

“All service providers are subject to a regulated process. Tenders are awarded in accordance with the Municipal Finance Management Act and go through a rigorous adjudication process,” he said.

Mpe emphasised that no law prohibits foreign nationals from conducting business with municipalities, provided they meet all legal and tax compliance requirements.
“Tenders are awarded in accordance with the Municipal Finance Management Act,” he said. pic.twitter.com/e98Wf9KMtv

— Polokwane Observer (@PolokwaneObserv) July 25, 2025

“No tenders are awarded on a personal basis.”

The mayor acknowledged knowing some of the contractors in question from his previous tenure at the Capricorn District Municipality but denied ever granting them special treatment.

Mpe said the Executive Mayor plays no role in the awarding of tenders, as explicitly stated in Section 117 of the MFMA, which prohibits councillors from participating in supply chain processes. pic.twitter.com/T1ChaQkyUl

— Polokwane Observer (@PolokwaneObserv) July 25, 2025

He also addressed accusations that his charitable organisation, the Makoro John Mpe Foundation, benefitted from an R8m payout, calling the claim entirely false.

“The foundation has never received such an amount,” he stated.

Mpe concluded the briefing by confirming that a discussion had taken place within the municipality regarding the implementation of a lifestyle audit for municipal officials.

He also admitted there is a need to address growing concerns about nepotism within the institution.