Greater Tzaneen Municipality Mayor, Gerson Molapisane.
It was business as usual at the Greater Tzaneen Municipality on Wednesday.
While political clouds gathered over his head, Mayor Gerson Molapisane spent his day on the ground. He was doing exactly what he has become known for: delivering services to the people.
He was joined by Speaker Sannie Tiba and the Head of Infrastructure, Constance Ramothwala, as they moved through the district to hand over major road projects.
The team first visited Nkowankowa to open a 1.6 kilometer stretch of newly repaired streets. This project included Ntshunxeko, Ntwanano, Khanimambo, Basani, and Chivirikani Streets. The work cost about 5.5 million Rand and was completed by a contractor called OREA.
They then moved to Tzaneen town to hand over Voortrekker and Agatha Streets. This second project covered 1.7 kilometers and cost about 5.6 million Rand. Both projects involved fresh asphalt, new drainage, and clear road markings.
To any bystander, the Mayor looked like a man fully in control.
He spoke passionately about how good roads help the local economy and make life better for residents. He noted that these projects demonstrate a continued investment in critical infrastructure and a commitment to quality services. But behind the smiles and the ribbon-cutting, a fierce political battle was raging in the background.
The ANC has officially put the Mayor on terms. The regional and provincial structures have decided to replace him, and a special council sitting is scheduled for Friday to finalize the move.
Despite this, Molapisane has refused to back down or slip away quietly. Sources say there have been frantic and frenetic attempts by senior party leaders to get him to resign voluntarily. They want him to step down to avoid a public showdown in the council chamber, but the Mayor has turned them all away.
So far, Molapisane has rejected every offer and every plea. He has maintained that he was deployed to the position by the national office and will only leave if they are the ones to ask. As the clock ticks toward Friday’s sitting, the pressure is reaching a boiling point.
By the time this story went to press, rumors were flying that ANC Provincial Secretary Reuben Madadzhe was joining the effort to try and persuade Molapisane one last time.
The situation has left the region in a state of deep suspense. While the Mayor finishes his official duties and hands over projects to the community, the politicians are busy in boardrooms trying to negotiate his exit. Friday’s special council sitting will provide the final answer to this leadership struggle.
For now, Molapisane remains at his post, focused on his work until the very last minute.