Free at last, newly elected Mopani District Municipality Executive Mayor Dagma Mamanyoha delivering his acceptance address.
The long-running leadership uncertainty in the Mopani District Municipality has officially come to an end following the election and formal acceptance of office by Councillor Thamaha Dagma Mamanyoha as the new Executive Mayor.
The appointment follows weeks of political transition after former Executive Mayor Councillor Josiah Pule Shayi resigned to take up his new responsibilities as a Member of the Limpopo Provincial Legislature and Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA).
Mamanyoha, who previously served as the Mayor of the Greater Letaba Municipality and currently leads the region as ANC Norman Mashabane Regional Chairperson, steps into the district council with extensive experience in local governance, public administration, and community development.
In his official acceptance speech, the newly elected Executive Mayor expressed deep appreciation to the municipal council and leadership structures for the confidence placed in him. He pledged to carry out the heavy responsibilities of the mayoral office to the best of his ability, focusing directly on administrative stability and community needs.
Mamanyoha also paid tribute to his predecessor, acknowledging the service, contributions, and leadership of MEC Pule Shayi during his tenure as the head of the Mopani District Municipality.
New Mayoral Committee Unveiled
In his first major executive action aimed at ensuring governance stability, administrative continuity, and an effective council, Executive Mayor Mamanyoha announced the appointment of his new Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMCs):
*Councillor Lucky Mohlala: MMC for Governance and Leader of Government Business
*Councillor Nomsa Khandela: MMC for Finance
*Councillor Baloyi NN: MMC for Local Economic Development
*Councillor Mahomane MS: MMC for Roads and Transport
*Councillor Shivambu BA: MMC for Community Services
*Councillor Sefufi MH: MMC for Water and Sanitation
*Councillor Makhananisa DM: MMC for Sports, Arts and Culture
*Councillor Maloko ML: MMC for Technical Services
*Councillor Mbhalati NJ: MMC for Agriculture
The strategic placement of key leaders across critical portfolios, including the retention of Councillor Shivambu BA as MMC for Community Services, signals a calculated move by Mamanyoha to consolidate political unity and maintain administrative momentum.
Focus Shift to Governance and Service Delivery
According to the municipal administration, the swift appointment of the Mayoral Committee is designed to strengthen both political and administrative decision-making. The council aims to keep municipal operations running smoothly without further delays or leadership gaps.
The municipality reiterated its commitment to strengthening internal governance, improving basic service delivery, addressing pressing community issues, and building directly on the foundation laid by the Fifth Council.
With the mayoral chain now securely around Mamanyoha’s neck, the immediate task for the new executive team will be executing operational priorities, securing municipal financial stability, and assuring residents across all five local sub-regions that basic services will be delivered effectively.
The Mopani District Municipality concluded its official announcement by wishing Executive Mayor Mamanyoha and his newly appointed Mayoral Committee well as they take on their official duties to serve the communities of Mopani.