ANC Mopani Regional Secretary, Sonia Maswanganyi.
A major political power struggle is unfolding within the African National Congress in Limpopo.
The recent election of Pule Shayi to the position of ANC Deputy Provincial Secretary has set off a chain reaction that is reshaping the leadership landscape of the Mopani District. As Shayi prepares to join the Provincial Executive Council under Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, his departure from the Mopani District Municipality has triggered a fierce contest for control and influence.
This shift is not just about one position. It is part of a broader plan to integrate the newly elected provincial officials into the executive branch of the government. This move is expected to lead to a significant cabinet reshuffle.
Rumours suggest that several current Members of the Executive Council, or MECs, may soon be removed from their posts. The names circulating include Funani Jerry Maseko of Sport, Arts and Culture, Violet Mathye of Transport and Community Safety, Dieketseng Mashego of Health, and Rodgers Basikopo Makamu of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs.
The situation for Makamu is particularly complex. While he faces the possibility of being removed as an MEC, his status as a member of the Provincial Executive Committee and his role as Deputy Provincial Head of Elections may offer him some protection from being completely sidelined. In contrast, other MECs who are rumoured to be on the chopping block have not secured positions on the Provincial Executive Committee, making their exits appear more likely.
The central drama, however, is taking place in the Norman Mashabane Region. With Shayi moving to the provincial level, his deputy, Dagma Mamanyoha, has stepped up to become the acting regional chairperson. Naturally, Mamanyoha expected to take over as the Executive Mayor of the Mopani District Municipality. However, this path has hit a major obstacle.
There is now a push for a temporary arrangement to lead the municipality until after the local government elections on 4 November. The goal of this faction is to appoint a woman as the Executive Mayor. The name of Basani Shivambu, the current Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Community Services, is being put forward for this role.
This proposal has placed Mamanyoha in a difficult position. It is feared that a temporary appointment might become permanent after the elections. If that happens, he would be left in charge of the Letaba Municipality while holding the title of Regional Chairperson without any real power in the district. Political observers warn that appointing Shivambu, even as a temporary measure, creates two centers of power. They argue that this move acts as a vote of no confidence in Mamanyoha as the regional chairperson.
The tension has allegedly caused a deep rift within the regional leadership. Sources indicate that the disagreement over who should succeed Shayi has fractured the relationship between Mamanyoha and the Regional Secretary, Sonia Maswanganyi. This conflict is becoming so intense that it may soon require the direct intervention of the ANC Provincial Secretary, Vhamusanda Reuben Madadzhe, to restore order.
The timing of this struggle is critical. The ANC is trying to balance the needs of its new provincial leadership team with the internal dynamics of the regions. The provincial leadership, led by Premier Ramathuba, seems focused on consolidating power by bringing key allies into the cabinet. Meanwhile, the regional structures are struggling to manage the fallout from the transition of power.
As the province watches these developments, the future of Mopani remains uncertain. The outcome of this power struggle will likely determine the political future of many individuals and could set the tone for the upcoming local government elections.
Whether the party can resolve these internal divisions before the elections is a major question. For now, the battle for the Mopani crown continues to play out in private meetings and public rumours, leaving the party members and the public waiting to see who will ultimately emerge in control. The stakes could not be higher, as the ANC tries to navigate these shifts while maintaining a united front.
ANC Deputy Provincial Secretary, Pule Shayi.