POLOKWANE – The ANC Veterans League in the province says it stepped in to level the playing field in the race for Polokwane mayor after nominating two candidates to challenge incumbent mayor John Mpe, a move that has exposed divisions within the party’s provincial leadership.

Levelling the playing field

Interviews for ANC mayoral candidates nominated by party structures across the country are continuing at Luthuli House.

In the city, the contest has narrowed to Mpe, who is also the ANC’s deputy provincial chairperson, against member of parliament Soviet Lekganyane and National Council of Provinces delegate Shahidabibi Shaikh, both nominated by the Veterans League.

“Not sufficiently competitive”

Polokwane Observer understands that the Peter Mokaba Region, which covers Polokwane, nominated Mpe along with several other candidates.

Provincial Veterans League secretary Sechaba Nkoana, however, said those candidates were not sufficiently competitive based on their qualifications and leadership experience.

“We took the view that the names put forward were simply not competitive, especially against Mpe. Even with our two nominees, the contest remains uneven because the other candidates have far less experience and qualifications. Had we not made these nominations, it would effectively have been a one-man race, with an obvious bride and everyone else merely bridesmaids.”

Tensions at Luthuli House

The Veterans League’s intervention has, however, reportedly caused friction within the provincial ANC.

Polokwane Observer understands that tensions surfaced at Luthuli House during the interview process, where both Mpe and Lekganyane were considered.

According to an ANC source, the dispute centred on Lekganyane’s inclusion despite sections of the Limpopo leadership backing Mpe as their preferred candidate.

“Lekganyane was duly nominated by the Veterans League. In fact, before the interviews were postponed last week, he was scheduled to be the first candidate interviewed,” the source said.

Provincial leaders observe the process

In line with ANC procedures, provincial chairperson Dr Phophi Ramathuba and provincial secretary Reuben Madadzhe attended the interviews as observers, as previously confirmed by Madadzhe during a media briefing.

An old rivalry resurfaces

The contest also revives a long-standing political rivalry. Madadzhe defeated Lekganyane for the position of provincial secretary at the ANC’s 2022 Limpopo conference, which took place amid factional battles and the fallout from the VBS Mutual Bank scandal.

Lekganyane, who chairs parliament’s ad hoc committee on criminal infiltration in the justice system, later moved into national politics and now serves on the ANC’s National Executive Committee.

What it takes to be nominated

The selection process forms part of preparations for the local government elections scheduled for November 4.

For the first time, the ANC’s National Executive Committee is conducting interviews following public and internal nominations. Candidates must hold a tertiary qualification and have at least three years’ experience as councillors, among other requirements.

The ANC is expected to announce its final mayoral candidates in the coming weeks.