Demands for, expectations about city mayor getting chop

Demands for changes to Polo­kwane Municipality’s political leadership have reportedly preceded expectations raised by delegates to this weekend’s African National Congress (ANC) Peter Mokaba Regional Conference, where a collective led by John Mpe won by a clear margin.
On the sidelines of conference proceedings sources in party ranks alluded to change supposedly being imminent as they stressed expectations that the political management team of the city’s municipality – with Mayor Thembi Nkadimeng at the helm – should get the boot, unless a compromise was to be reached.
Already there had been calls from various sectors of the community for Nkadimeng to go, it was highlighted by sources who said unless she stayed loyal to the party and implemented its decisions and programmes there would be no change to the structure. If she would be removed without reason the newly elected party regional leadership collective would seem vindictive, one of the sources added.
The race for chairpersonship of the ANC in the region that was on between Mpe and Nkadimeng followed an extended battle that played out long before delegates could get to Bolivia Estate for the conference on Friday afternoon. Eventually the scales tipped in Mpe’s favour as he took 228 votes over Nkadimeng’s 171.
Upon members gathering in the venue, impassioned songs putting the Mpe collective ahead of the rest rang out. By then delegates in a larger crowd already indicated it was a given that Mpe would emerge as chairperson of the ANC in Peter Mokaba Region.
Mpe’s deputy, Solly Pheedi won with 229 votes, Eugene Masete secured 219 votes to retain the position of secretary, Edward Paya got the deputy secretary’s slot with 225 votes and Nakedi Sibanda stays on as treasurer after getting 218 votes.
The results were announced early Saturday morning, whereupon nominations followed for the twenty additional members on the regional executive committee. Voting commenced on Sunday around noon and the names were announced on Monday morning.
The newly elected Regional Executive Committee (REC), as set out in a media statement, consists of Nakedi Lekganyane, Blanco Boloka, Steve Mashabela, Kedibone Lebea, Calvin Masoga, Jimmy Machaka, Papas Moakamedi, Vanity Mantsho, Johanna Rangata, Charles Thaba, Mamedupi Teffo, Jesca Maleka, Elizabeth Kgatla, Monica Mohale, Barrel Ntsoane, Ntwana Peta, Elizabeth Rahlana, Kgaugelo Swartland, Puleng Mashangoane and Maria Mokobodi.
Also in the ANC’s Waterberg Region branches went to their 7th conference on the weekend. According to information contained in a statement issued on the weekend, Morris Mataboge was elected as chairperson, Frans Mokwele as his deputy, Jacob Moabelo as secretary, Sarah Monyamane as deputy secretary and Jeremiah Ngobeni as treasurer.
In an attempt to obtain comment from the party in Peter Mokaba Region, Masete was contacted at the time of going to press but could not be reached.

Story & photos: YOLANDE NEL
>>observer.yolande@gmail.com