GTM Acting Municipal Manager, Benjamin Mathebula.
The Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM) council has officially announced the appointment of Benjamin Mathebula as the new Acting Municipal Manager.
This leadership transition follows a formal secondment by the Limpopo MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Pule Shayi.
Mr. Mathebula is already a familiar face within the municipal structure, serving as the municipality’s permanent Director for Planning and Economic Development. He steps into the acting role to steer the administration forward, with his tenure officially beginning on 1 November 2026. He will remain in the position until 30 April 2027, or until the municipality fills the top administrative post on a permanent or long term contractual basis, whichever comes first.
Ensuring Administrative Stability
The primary goal of Mathebula’s appointment is to guarantee uninterrupted stability in municipal administration and the continuous delivery of basic services to local residents. Local government structures require steady administrative leadership to manage community projects, budgets, and daily operations effectively. The municipal council expressed full confidence in his capacity to guide the institution through this transitional period.
In an official statement released by the municipality, GTM congratulated Mathebula on his new responsibilities and wished him success. The council noted that his extensive experience within local government administration makes him well-equipped to handle the demands of the municipal manager office.
Recognition for Outgoing Acting Manager
The leadership transition also brought an opportunity for the municipality to express gratitude to outgoing leadership. GTM extended its sincere appreciation to Freedom Mthetwa, who served as the Acting Municipal Manager for a six month period from 1 May 2026 to 31 October 2026.
Mthetwa, whose permanent position within the municipality is Director for Electrical Engineering, guided the administration through a critical phase. The municipality commended his strong leadership, dedication, and deep commitment during his time at the helm. With the arrival of the new acting municipal manager, Mthetwa will now return to his core responsibilities as the Director for Electrical Engineering, where the municipality has wished him continued success in managing local electrical infrastructure and power services.