UNITED IN GRIEF, FOCUSED ON LEGACY: ANC Top Leadership Joins Limpopo to Honour Ntate Makgalemele Donald Molepo

Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula leads national and provincial tributes to educator, activist and father of Deputy Chairperson John Mpe — Premier Ramathuba delivers eulogy: “He lived a life of meaning and service”

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula addresses mourners during the funeral service of Ntate Makgalemele Donald Molepo, father of ANC Limpopo Deputy Provincial Chairperson and Polokwane Executive Mayor John Mpe, held at Jack Botes Hall, Polokwane, on Sunday 26 April 2026.

The ANC’s national and provincial leadership stood as one in Polokwane on Sunday to bid farewell to Ntate Makgalemele Donald Molepo — educator, Ward 19 Winrainbow Branch activist, community builder, and father to ANC Limpopo Provincial Deputy Chairperson and Polokwane Executive Mayor John Mpe.

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula led the tributes on behalf of the national organisation, honouring the selfless service of the late Molepo and his unwavering loyalty to the values of the movement.

Speaking at Jack Botes Hall, Mbalula said Molepo was a committed activist in Ward 19, Winrainbow Branch in Polokwane, and an educator who contributed to community building through faith-based and social formations, fostering unity, discipline and social cohesion.

The Secretary-General thanked the late Molepo for his contribution as a former teacher who also contributed positively in society. He made it clear that unity is imperative, stressing that Limpopo has many leaders in strategic positions, including Ministers and SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago.

Mbalula paid tribute at the funeral service of Molepo, father to John Mpe, referring to him as the father of his comrade John Mpe.

Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, who also serves as ANC Provincial Chairperson, delivered the eulogy on behalf of the family and the province, reflecting on the life and values of Ntate Molepo.

“Ntate Makgalemele Molepo did not merely exist, he lived a life of meaning and service. He walked this earth as though every sunrise was a sacred invitation to serve, to uplift and to love. His presence was as gentle as a breeze, yet his impact carried the force of a mighty river, carving pathways of hope through the hardest terrains of adversity,” Ramathuba said.

She described the late Molepo as a pillar of strength within his family and community. On behalf of the ANC and the 7th Administration of the Limpopo Provincial Government, she conveyed condolences to the family, noting the movement’s solidarity with ANC Deputy Provincial Chairperson John Mpe and his family during this time of loss.

Ramathuba also thanked the late Molepo for raising John Mpe, the Polokwane Executive Mayor and former ANC Peter Mokaba Regional Secretary, describing him as a consummate leader who has been tried and tested.

Limpopo Premier and ANC Provincial Chairperson Dr Phophi Ramathuba delivers the eulogy during the funeral service of Ntate Makgalemele Donald Molepo at Jack Botes Hall, Polokwane, on Sunday 26 April 2026.

The funeral was attended by ANC top officials, ANC National Executive Committee members, Provincial Executive Committee members, Regional Executive Committee members and leaders from various structures of the movement and government. ANC Limpopo spokesperson Tonny Rachoene was also present, alongside ANCYL President Collen Malatji.

The gathering reflected the unity of the leadership elected at the 11th ANC Limpopo Elective Conference, with the 7th Administration of the Limpopo Provincial Government standing together with the family.

The service, held at Jack Botes Hall from 07:30, underscored the ANC’s presence in Limpopo — from branches to national office — and the province’s depth of leadership across strategic institutions of state and society.

Ntate Makgalemele Donald Molepo served as an educator and was active in community and faith-based formations. Through his work in Ward 19, Winrainbow Branch, he contributed to building social cohesion and discipline. His legacy lives on in the family he raised, the learners he taught, and the community he served.

Following the service, the departed was laid to rest at Silicon Cemetery. Prayer sessions were held on Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th at 38 Marshall Street, Ivypark, and on Saturday 25th at Emmanuel Tabernacle Power, Plot 61, Roodepoort, Polokwane.

The 7th Administration recognises that the province’s progress is rooted in homes and branches where service is a lived value.

The Azanian extends heartfelt condolences to John Mpe, the Molepo family, the ANC Peter Mokaba Region, and the Winrainbow Branch.

Polokwane Executive Mayor and ANC Limpopo Deputy Provincial Chairperson John Mpe flanked by Limpopo Premier and ANC Provincial Chairperson Dr Phophi Ramathuba and the Secretary of the ANC during the funeral of his father, Ntate Makgalemele Donald Molepo, at Jack Botes Hall, Polokwane, on Sunday 26 April 2026.

ANC Limpopo Provincial Spokesperson Tonny Rachoene with PEC member and former ANC Limpopo Provincial Treasurer Nakedi Kekana at the funeral service of Ntate Makgalemele Donald Molepo, held at Jack Botes Hall, Polokwane, on Sunday 26 April 2026.