MAYOR MPE PUTS POLOKWANE ON THE MAP: CITY OFFICIALLY WELCOMES AFRICA'S FINEST JUNIOR TENNIS STARS
- Mpho Dube
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
The City of Stars just got brighter...
By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief
The Azanian | Truth. Fearless. Unfiltered.
AZANIAFROCOMEDIA – The Catalyst of Impact
POLOKWANE– Executive Mayor of Polokwane Municipality, Cllr Makoro John Mpe, this week officially welcomed Africa’s finest young tennis talent to Polokwane as he delivered the keynote address and formally declared the WT Africa Davis Cup Junior & Billie Jean King Cup Junior Qualifying and the WT/CAT African Junior Individual Championships 2026 officially open.
The prestigious continental tournament has once again placed Polokwane at the center of African sport, reaffirming the city’s growing reputation as a premier destination for international sport, youth development and sport tourism.
“We wish all participating nations and athletes an exciting, memorable and successful championship,” said Mayor Mpe as he cut the ribbon to open the championships.
Under Mayor Mpe’s leadership, Polokwane has steadily positioned itself as more than just the capital of Limpopo. It is now a city that hosts, that grows talent, and that welcomes the world.
The hosting of two major ITF and CAT junior tournaments in one city is proof of that vision. Thousands of young athletes, coaches, officials and supporters from across Africa are expected in the city over the coming weeks, bringing with them economic spin-offs for hotels, restaurants, transport and local businesses.
“This is what visionary leadership looks like,” said Tebogo Lekalakala, a parent from Seshego whose son is competing. “Mayor Mpe is showing our children that you don’t have to go to Joburg or Cape Town to play at the highest level. The world is coming to us.”
The announcement was met with applause from residents, sports bodies and business owners who say the Mayor’s focus on sport and youth is paying off.
Sarah Mabaso, chairperson of Polokwane Tennis Association, praised the Mayor:
“Cllr Mpe has been hands-on. He understands that sport changes lives. Because of his leadership, our juniors now have courts, support, and international exposure right here at home.”
David Chauke, a local business owner near the Peter Mokaba precinct, said:
“Business is already picking up. This is Mayor Mpe’s doing. He is putting Polokwane on the African map and putting money in our pockets.”
On social media, residents flooded the municipality’s pages with messages of support: "Proud of our Mayor. Polokwane to the world!"
"Thank you Cllr Mpe for believing in our youth."
For Mayor Mpe, the tournament is about more than trophies. It is about opportunity.
“These young athletes are Africa’s future champions,” he said. “By hosting them, we are investing in sport, in tourism, and most importantly in our young people. Polokwane is open for business, open for talent, and open for greatness.”
As the first serves fly and the crowds gather, one thing is clear: Under Mayor Makoro John Mpe, Polokwane is not just hosting a tournament. It is hosting the future.
The Azanian | Truth. Fearless. Unfiltered.
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