Celebrated South African singer, songwriter, and actress, Candy Tsa Mandebele Mokwena during the official opening of ActionSA Provincial Office in Polokwane.
ActionSA in Limpopo has entered a new phase of its political journey. In a move aimed at deepening its roots within the province and strengthening its organisational capacity, the party officially opened its new Provincial Office in Polokwane. This event serves as a clear signal of the party’s ambition to become a dominant force in the region, focusing on its core values of accountability, service delivery, and professional government.
The official opening was led by ActionSA Limpopo Provincial Chairperson Victor Mothemela. He was joined by notable party figures, including the Member of Parliament Malebo Kobe and Provincial Treasurer Tonic Manchidi. As the ribbon was cut, the atmosphere was one of resolve, with leadership emphasising that this new office is more than just a building—it is a functional hub designed to ensure that the voices of Limpopo residents are heard and that the party can provide a responsive alternative to the current political status quo.
Strengthening the Ranks
The opening of the office was also the platform for a series of high-profile announcements that have sparked interest across the provincial political landscape. ActionSA is actively recruiting experienced activists and leaders who are looking for a new political home.
Among the latest to join the ActionSA family is Mokotjo Legodi. Legodi is a well-known political figure in student and youth circles, having previously served as the Provincial Chairperson of the South African Students Congress (SASCO) in Limpopo. Furthermore, he brings significant organisational experience from his time as an organizer for the Young Communist League of South Africa. His transition to ActionSA is seen as a strategic boost for the party, particularly as it seeks to expand its influence among the youth and organised labour sectors.
The party leadership believes that attracting leaders with deep organisational roots like Legodi will help ActionSA bridge the gap between abstract policy and grassroots activism. By welcoming individuals who have spent years navigating the complexities of student and youth politics, ActionSA is attempting to build a team that understands the specific frustrations of the younger generation in Limpopo.
A Cultural Icon Joins the Mission
In a surprising and festive addition to the party’s growth, ActionSA Limpopo also officially welcomed the celebrated South African singer, songwriter, and actress, Candy Tsa Mandebele Mokwena. Known affectionately as the Tsamandebele, she is a deeply respected cultural icon in Limpopo.
Born and raised in the province, Mandebele’s journey into the arts began at the age of 14 when she started singing in her mother’s traditional community group, Sekgapa. Her professional career took off in 1993 as a songwriter, and she later gained wider recognition as a member of the group Shaka Bundu Girls in 1995. Over the decades, she has built a career defined by her commitment to her heritage. She is particularly celebrated for her music in the Khelobedu language, a dialect of Northern Sotho, which has helped preserve and promote local culture on a national stage. In 2016, she achieved critical success with her debut solo album titled Siki (Five Cents), which was released through Sony Music and featured the hit single Baile.
ActionSA leadership noted that Candy’s involvement brings a unique dimension to their mission. Her deep connection to the rural communities of Limpopo and her long-standing role as a voice for local culture are seen as vital assets. The party believes that her influence will help them reach residents who may have felt disconnected from traditional political discourse. By aligning herself with ActionSA, Candy has signalled her commitment to the party’s vision for professional government and service-oriented leadership in her home province.
A New Chapter for Limpopo
The dual events of opening a dedicated provincial office and welcoming figures from both the political and cultural spheres represent a significant shift in the Limpopo political map. For Chairperson Victor Mothemela and the rest of the provincial executive, the goal is clear: to offer the people of Limpopo an alternative that prioritizes efficiency and community-driven development.
As the party settles into its new Polokwane headquarters, the focus will now shift to translating this momentum into electoral success. The arrival of new talent like Mokotjo Legodi and the cultural reach provided by Candy Tsa Mandebele Mokwena are designed to help the party expand its footprint beyond urban centres and into the heart of rural Limpopo. Whether this new chapter will lead to substantial changes in provincial governance remains a question for the voters, but for now, ActionSA has made it clear that they are in the province to compete seriously.