Maripe “Mmirwaa” Mangena, the former Mayor of the Greater Tzaneen Municipality and a long standing member of the ANC.
The political landscape in the Mopani District is shifting like desert sands as the 2026 local government elections draw near.
What was once a solid fortress for the African National Congress (ANC) in the Norman Mashabane region is now showing deep cracks. A growing number of experienced leaders are walking away from the party they called home for decades. This week, the spotlight fell on two high profile figures who have decided that their future lies with ActionSA.
A Veteran Heart Finds a New Home
The most significant blow to the ruling party came with the resignation of Maripe “Mmirwaa” Mangena. For many in Tzaneen, Mangena is a household name. He is a former Mayor of the Greater Tzaneen Municipality and a long standing member of the ANC.
In a moving resignation letter, Mangena revealed that he was only four years away from achieving official ANC Veteran status.
His departure was not an easy choice. He described the decision as painful, noting that he and others had tried everything possible to build an ANC that the public could trust.
He spoke about writing disputes and joining protests within the party to fix internal issues, but he eventually realized these efforts were in vain. Mangena stated that he wants to be free to focus on the daily struggles of the people without being held back by intra-squabbles and political tension.
The move is more than just a resignation. ActionSA is set to unveil Mangena as one of its key Mayoral candidates at a provincial event in Polokwane this Saturday. For ActionSA, securing a leader of Mangena’s stature is a massive win. For the ANC, losing a man who was almost a veteran is a sign that the party’s internal culture is pushing away its most loyal assets.
The Doctor Follows the Mayor
Following closely in Mangena’s footsteps is Dr. Mikia Ramothwala. A respected figure and a medical professional, the doctor took to social media to explain why he could no longer stay with the ANC. His statement was a direct critique of the current state of the province. He listed several reasons for his move, including high levels of unemployment, poverty, the poor state of local roads, and the lack of water and healthcare.
Dr. Ramothwala argued that these issues require everyone to be politically active. He noted that he chose to join his friend, Maripe Mangena, in ActionSA to continue his activism. While he thanked the ANC for the opportunity to serve, his message was clear: the party is no longer the right vehicle to solve the problems of the people.
From Protégé to Political Alternative
Dr. Ramothwala’s exit is particularly stinging because of his deep roots in the movement. He is a former spokesperson for the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) in the Norman Mashabane Regional Task Team and the Provincial Executive Committee. Until very recently, he was also a member of the ANCYL National Executive Committee.
For years, many saw him as a protégé of the current ANC Limpopo Provincial Chairperson, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba. During her time as the MEC of Health, Ramothwala was considered one of the rising stars she deployed within the health sector.
He has remained active in his field, recently opening the Queen Mokope Modjadji Healthcare Centre in Bolobedu South. This facility is a major addition to the area, featuring a triage room, a resuscitation room, an onsite pharmacy, and access to twelve specialists.
However, his political journey within the ANC was not without hurdles. He recently contested for positions in both the regional and provincial executive committees without success. While he cites social issues as his reason for leaving, his detractors within the ANC claim that these election losses are the real reason for his defection.
Panic in the Ranks
Regardless of the motive, the resignation has thrown the ANC in Limpopo into what some describe as panic mode. The loss of a young, professional leader with a strong technical background has led to a wave of regret from his former colleagues.
A former ANC Limpopo spokesperson reached out publicly, describing the resignation as very much regrettable. They expressed hope that the doctor would one day reconsider and return home to the ANC. Other leaders have reportedly called for a special effort to persuade him to stay, fearing that his exit will encourage more people to leave.
An Exodus in Norman Mashabane
The departure of Mangena and Ramothwala signals a much larger exodus from the ANC in the Norman Mashabane region. Insiders suggest that many members feel isolated or suppressed if they do not follow the line of the leading faction. This environment has led to a steady stream of members joining other parties like the SACP, ActionSA, Mayibuye, and the MK Party.
With the looming local government elections, many appear ready to jump what they call an ailing ANC ship for greener pastures. As ActionSA prepares for its big reveal in Polokwane this Saturday, the ANC is left to wonder how many more of its veterans and rising stars will be gone before the first ballot is cast.
Dr. Mikia Ramothwala, a respected figure and a medical professional.