Pule Shayi
In the build-up to the ANC Mopani 9th Regional Conference, current chairperson Pule Shayi and secretary Goodman Mtileni are set to face off in a high-stakes contest for the region’s top position.
This role, accompanied by the lucrative Executive Mayor post of the district, has made the race particularly intense.
With the adoption of a comprehensive roadmap, the much-anticipated conference now has clear direction and certainty. The path to the conference, occurring from February 23 to 25, 2025, is meticulously laid out with key milestones and responsibilities.
Campaigning has been heated, with both Shayi and Mtileni mobilizing their support bases. However, Shayi appears to have the upper hand due to the significant number of branches he controls. This support seems to be growing daily, positioning him as the frontrunner for another term.
The upcoming 9th Regional Conference has sharply divided the region into two compelling factions: the ‘Third Term’ slate, led by the current Chairperson and Mopani District Municipality Executive Mayor, Pule Shayi, and the ‘Straight Line’ slate, fronted by the ambitious Regional Secretary and South African Communist Party Chairperson, Goodman Mtileni.
Both groups are assembling impressive line-ups. Shayi boasts a powerhouse team with notable figures like erstwhile youth leader Odas Ngobeni, Thandi Zitha, Dagma Mamanyoha, and Tsheko Musolwa—all individuals with solid political pedigree. On the other hand, Mtileni has rallied significant support from current Deputy Chairperson Gerson Molapisane, TK Mohale, and Ba-Phalaborwa Mayor Miriam Malatji.
Political analysts suggest that Shayi holds the upper hand, particularly as he makes inroads into Molapisane’s Bolobedu South stronghold, traditionally a bastion of support for the opposition.
Beyond Mopani, the political landscape in Limpopo is ripe for change. The Vhembe, Peter Mokaba, and Sekhukhune regions are also gearing up for their respective conferences. This comes as the provincial scene prepares for a major shake-up with the exit of incumbent chairperson Chupu Mathabatha from provincial politics.
Potential contenders for the provincial chairperson role include Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, Capricorn District Executive Mayor and Peter Mokaba Regional chairperson John Mpe, and COGHSTA MEC and Provincial Deputy Secretary Basikopo Makamu. Pule Shayi is also a strong candidate for this position, which is expected to draw many competitors as the conference approaches.
What remains certain in this political reshuffling is that Limpopo ANC is on the brink of ushering in a new era with fresh leadership at the helm. As the conference dates draw nearer, the region watches closely, anticipating the outcome of these important conferences.
Conference
Flashback: Gerson Molapisane, Pule Shayi, Goodman Mtileni and Dagma Mamanyoha during the 8th Regional Conference.
Goodman Mtileni
Gerson Molapisane
Dagma Mamanyoha
Odas Ngobeni.
Tsheko Musolwa