Thabang Patrick Lebepe was sworn in as a councillor of Greater Letaba Municipality during a formal ceremony at the Bolobedu Magistrate’s Court.on Tuesday.
The Greater Letaba Municipality officially welcomed a new face to its council this week. On Tuesday, Thabang Patrick Lebepe was sworn in as a councillor during a formal ceremony at the Bolobedu Magistrate’s Court.
The appointment marks a significant shift for the council, which is currently managing multiple vacancies following a wave of political resignations.
A Formal Oath of Office
Councillor Lebepe, representing the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), took his oath of office before Magistrate Roussow. By pledging his commitment to the municipality, he has officially joined the council and is ready to begin his duties immediately.
The ceremony was attended by key municipal leaders to ensure the process was handled with the necessary legal oversight. Speaker Councillor Maria Mokgwathi and the Manager for Council Support, Mr. Phillemon Malola, were present to welcome the new councillor on behalf of the Greater Letaba Municipality Council.
Replacing Simon Mangena
The seat filled by Councillor Lebepe became vacant after the departure of Simon Mangena. Mr. Mangena was a prominent political figure in the region, previously serving as the EFF Mopani Regional Chairperson. He also held a high-ranking position as a member of the Executive Committee (EXCO) within the Greater Letaba Municipality.
In April 2026, the EFF made the decision to recall Mr. Mangena. Following his removal from the party, he chose to join ActionSA. This political move required the EFF to appoint a successor to ensure their party remained represented in the local government.
ANC Vacancy Still to Be Filled
While the EFF has successfully filled its vacancy, the African National Congress (ANC) is now facing a similar challenge. The municipality confirmed that there is another open seat following the resignation of Reuben Mahlomola Mosila.
Mr. Mosila was a highly influential member of the council. He served as both a councillor and a member of the Executive Committee for the ANC. Like Mr. Mangena, he also decided to leave his party and the municipality to join ActionSA.
The ANC has not yet appointed a replacement for Mr. Mosila. This means that a key position on the Executive Committee remains empty for the time being. The council will need to wait for the ANC to finalize its internal processes before a new person can be sworn in to take over those responsibilities.
Commitment to Stability
Despite these changes in political leadership, the Greater Letaba Municipality says it is focused on maintaining stability. The council is responsible for making important decisions about local infrastructure, water, and electricity. Having a full team of councillors is essential for making sure the voices of the community are heard.
The municipality used its official social media platforms to announce the arrival of Councillor Lebepe. They expressed hope that the new leadership will contribute positively to the growth of the Bolobedu area. Residents are now looking to the ANC to see who will be chosen to fill the remaining vacancy left by Mr. Mosila.
As of today, May 12, Councillor Lebepe has officially started his journey in public service. The council continues to operate and aims to provide steady governance for all residents during this time of political transition.