As the ANC Limpopo 11th Provincial Conference approaches—set for 27 to 29 March 2026 in Polokwane—the Mopani District Municipality is bracing for a massive leadership vacuum.
The current Executive Mayor, Pule Shayi, is the favored candidate for the ANC Provincial Deputy Secretary post. His expected move to the provincial cabinet as an MEC has triggered an intense and crowded race to replace him.
The Mopani mayoralty is one of the most powerful deployments in Limpopo, controlling a multi-billion rand budget and the district’s critical water infrastructure. Four names have emerged as the primary contenders, each bringing a unique political and administrative flavour to the race.
The Frontrunners and the Dark Horses: Dagma Mamanyoha: The Heir Apparent.
The current Mayor of Greater Letaba and the ANC Regional Deputy Chairperson is the internal favourite.
The Edge: Following ANC tradition, the deputy is often first in line when the principal moves up. As Shayi’s second-in-command in the region, Mamanyoha represents continuity for the “Unity Slate.”
The Hurdle: His municipality, Greater Letaba, has faced challenges with financial sustainability, often receiving qualified audit opinions.
Tsheko Musolwa: The Governance Specialist; The Mayor of Maruleng Local Municipality has recently entered the lobbying lists with significant momentum, bolstered by his new role as the ANC Norman Mashabane Deputy Regional Secretary.
The Edge: Musolwa’s track record is a major selling point. Maruleng recently celebrated ten consecutive years of unqualified audit reports. Holding a Top Five regional position as Deputy Regional Secretary gives him the political “seniority” that other technocrats lack. He is being marketed as the candidate who can bring “Maruleng excellence” to the struggling district.
The Hurdle: Critics argue that managing the small Maruleng municipality is vastly different from controlling the expansive and politically volatile Mopani District.
3. Merriam Malatji: The Seasoned Hand;The Mayor of Ba-Phalaborwa is a hands-on leader who previously succeeded Shayi in Phalaborwa.
The Edge: Known for her 86% target achievement rate, she is a high-performing administrator with deep roots in the district’s industrial hub.
The Hurdle: She lacks a seat on the Regional Top Five, which weakens her standing compared to Mamanyoha and Musolwa in the party’s hierarchy.
Gerson Molapisane: The “Good Governance” Wildcard: The Mayor of Greater Tzaneen remains the biggest threat to the status quo.
The Edge: He leads the only other municipality in the region that consistently delivers unqualified audits and high infrastructure grant spending.
The Hurdle: He is politically aligned with the “Straight Line” faction that challenged Shayi’s leadership. While his appointment would be an olive branch to disgruntled camps, it may be a bridge too far for the “Unity Slate” leadership.
The Interview Showdown: The final decision will rest with the ANC PEC, which will interview three candidates proposed by the region. The inclusion of Tsheko Musolwa, now fortified by his regional leadership position, suggests that the ANC is seriously considering a move toward “clean governance” to secure the district ahead of the 2026 local elections.