MPE'S LEADERSHIP LEGACY: A VISION FOR LIMPOPO'S FUTURE

John Mpe, ANC Chairperson of the Peter Mokaba Region.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief, The Azanian

Truth. Fearless. Unfiltered.

John Mpe, the long-serving Chairperson of the Peter Mokaba Region, is poised to step up as ANC Limpopo Provincial Deputy Chairperson.

Yet a groundswell of supporters is urging him to take the top job - Provincial Chairperson - arguing that his extensive political résumé outshines that of his rival, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, who is also in the running for the chair at the upcoming Provincial Conference.

Mpe is a true ANC stalwart. He is in his third term as Chairperson of the Peter Mokaba Region, a role in which he has championed unity, progress, and people-centred governance.

His leadership has been instrumental in driving success in Polokwane Municipality, which has earned an unqualified audit opinion from the Auditor-General for four straight years. The municipal housing entity, Polokwane Housing Association (PHA), has also achieved a clean audit under his watch, a rare feat that underscores his commitment to fiscal discipline and transparency.

As Executive Mayor of Polokwane, Mpe has transformed the city into one of South Africa's top metros. He has overseen major infrastructure upgrades - new roads, improved water and sanitation services, and the expansion of public transport - that have lifted the quality of life for residents.

Polokwane now holds Grade 6 status, the pinnacle of South African municipal rankings, a milestone achieved on Mpe's watch. His foundation also funds a range of sports and youth development programmes, giving young people in the province more opportunities to thrive.

Mpe's leadership style is collaborative and inclusive. He fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation, ensuring that every voice in the ANC is heard. He has worked tirelessly to strengthen the party's presence across Limpopo, mobilising support for key policies and building a cohesive, motivated base.

His previous role as Executive Mayor of Capricorn District Municipality, combined with his current mayoral duties in Polokwane, gives him a deep understanding of the province's challenges and opportunities. This dual experience equips him with the skills needed to drive growth, development, and prosperity throughout Limpopo.

Politically, Mpe is more senior than Dr Ramathuba. He has a longer history of service within the ANC, with a track record of delivering results at both local and regional levels. Many party members view him as the natural choice for Chairperson, citing his experience, vision, and proven ability to get things done.

Some discussions within the party have suggested a scenario where Mpe serves as Deputy Chairperson while Ramathuba takes the helm, but Mpe's seniority and track record make it unclear whether he will accept a secondary role. The debate is ongoing, and the upcoming conference will be a decisive moment for the party's future direction.

Academically, Mpe is well-qualified. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (2021) and a Bachelor of Management Leadership (2020) from the University of the Free State. These qualifications complement his extensive on-the-ground experience, giving him a solid foundation in both theory and practice.

His academic achievements reinforce his reputation as a leader who combines strategic thinking with practical execution. The ANC in Limpopo is gearing up for its Provincial Conference, a pivotal event that will shape the party's direction for the next five years.

The election of top officials and the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) will be closely watched, as it will determine who steers Limpopo through a period of significant challenges and opportunities.

Mpe's supporters are rallying behind him, emphasising his proven track record, his vision for a transparent and accountable government, and his dedication to the people of Limpopo. "John Mpe is the man for the job," a party member said. "He has the experience, vision, and leadership skills to take Limpopo forward."

Under Mpe's leadership, Polokwane has become a model for other municipalities in the province. His focus on clean audits has set a new standard for financial management, while his infrastructure projects have improved connectivity and economic activity.

The city's housing initiatives have provided affordable homes for many, and his youth programmes have reduced unemployment and increased community engagement. These achievements have not gone unnoticed; they have earned Mpe respect and admiration from both party members and the broader community.

Looking ahead, Mpe's agenda for Limpopo includes expanding infrastructure, enhancing service delivery, and deepening youth empowerment through education and sports.

He plans to replicate Polokwane's clean audit success across all municipalities, ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and transparently. His inclusive approach seeks to unite all segments of society, fostering a shared sense of purpose and progress.

In the next five years, Mpe aims to accelerate road construction, water supply, and electricity access in rural areas, bridging the urban-rural divide. He intends to attract investment in agriculture, mining, and renewable energy to create jobs and boost the provincial economy.

Education and youth development will be prioritised by expanding scholarship programmes, building new schools, and increasing funding for sports and cultural activities. Good governance will be a cornerstone, with a province-wide audit improvement plan to ensure all municipalities achieve unqualified audits within two years.

Health and social services will be strengthened, particularly primary healthcare in underserved districts, alongside expanding social safety nets for vulnerable groups.

Mpe's track record in Polokwane, where he delivered four consecutive clean audits, new roads, and improved public services, gives confidence that these ambitious goals are achievable. His collaborative style, which emphasizes listening to community needs and working with all stakeholders, is expected to be a hallmark of his provincial leadership.

As the ANC Limpopo Provincial Conference approaches, the mood among party members is one of anticipation and hope. Many see John Mpe as the leader who can unite the province, deliver on promises, and restore confidence in public institutions.

His blend of experience, academic credentials, and proven results make him a compelling choice for Provincial Chairperson, even as he is touted for the Deputy Chairperson role. The debate continues, but Mpe's influence on Limpopo's future is undeniable.

The upcoming conference will not only decide the ANC's leadership but also set the tone for Limpopo's development trajectory for the next half-decade. John Mpe's proven track record, academic credentials, and visionary leadership make him the candidate many believe can steer the province to new heights.

Mpe is a true ANC stalwart. He is in his third term as Chairperson of the Peter Mokaba Region, a role in which he has championed unity, progress, and people-centred governance.

John Mpe, the long-serving Chairperson of the Peter Mokaba Region, is poised to step up as ANC Limpopo Provincial Deputy Chairperson.