'Mpe endorsing premier signals unity'

City Mayor and Peter Mokaba regional chairperson John Mpe has sent a strong signal about the direction of ANC leadership in Limpopo by publicly backing the Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba for provincial chairperson in a move that has surprised many within the party and reshaped expectations ahead of the elective conference.

- Koketšo Sekhwela

The endorsement was made on Sunday during branch nominations at the Mphogodiba branch in Ward 4, where members selected candidates and delegates for the ANC's 11th provincial elective conference, scheduled for March.

Mpe, who was widely expected to contest the chairperson position himself, instead rose to declare his support for Ramathuba to take the top seat.

Political analyst Nico Motlaletsi said the move caught many ANC insiders off guard, given earlier speculation that Mpe would enter the race. Rather than contesting the position, his decision is being viewed as a strategic call for unity within the organisation.