Polokwane’s Executive Mayor, John Mpe, is a prominent figure in South African politics, known for his unwavering commitment to public service and his deep-rooted involvement in the struggle against apartheid. Here are 10 key facts about his life and career:
1. Early Life and Struggle Background
Mosema “Makoro” John Mpe was deeply influenced by his personal experiences of poverty and inequality, growing up with a mother who was a domestic worker. These early experiences shaped his political convictions and fueled his determination to fight against apartheid.
2. Student Activism
John Mpe’s political journey began at the age of 16 when he was elected to the Student Representative Council (SRC) at Manoshi High School. His involvement in student politics led him to join the Sehlale Youth Congress, a pivotal group in mobilizing society against the oppressive bantustan system.
3. Leadership in Higher Education
In 1990, Mpe enrolled at the Technikon Northern Transvaal (now Tshwane University of Technology) for a Diploma in Accounting. He quickly became active in student politics, joining the South African National Student Congress (SANSCO). He was elected the SANSCO Branch Publicity Secretary and later the Treasurer General of the SRC.
4. Role in ANC Youth League
During his time in higher education, Mpe was instrumental in re-establishing the ANC Youth League structures in Soshanguve. His leadership skills were recognized, and in 1992, he was elected president of the SRC, working alongside other notable student leaders to transform higher education institutions in the Pretoria region.
5. Continued Service to the ANC
After returning to Limpopo in 1997, Mpe continued to serve the African National Congress (ANC) in various leadership roles. He was a member of the Regional Task Team of the ANC Capricorn Region and later became the Chairperson of the ANC in the Peter Mokaba Region, a position he has held since 2018.
6. Academic Achievements
Mpe’s commitment to education is evident in his impressive academic achievements. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (2021) and a Bachelor of Management Leadership (2020) from the University of the Free State, among other qualifications in local government management and municipal finance.
7. Leadership in Capricorn District Municipality
From 2016 to 2021, Mpe served as the Executive Mayor of Capricorn District Municipality (CDM). Under his leadership, the municipality achieved several service delivery accolades, including moving from grade 4 to grade 5, attaining clean audit opinions for two consecutive years, and achieving 100% expenditure on grants.
8. Executive Mayor of Polokwane
Following the 2021 Local Government Elections, John Mpe was elected as the Executive Mayor of the City of Polokwane. In this role, he has continued to focus on service delivery, infrastructure development, and improving the quality of life for the residents of Polokwane.
9. Chairperson of SALGA Limpopo
In addition to his role as Mayor, Mpe was recently elected as the Limpopo Provincial Chairperson of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA). This position allows him to play a significant role in shaping local government policies and practices across the province.
10. Commitment to Public Service
John Mpe is recognized as a dedicated public servant and loyal member of the ANC. His unbroken track record of service to both the ANC and the communities of Limpopo reflects his deep commitment to improving the lives of those he serves.
Conclusion
John Mpe’s journey from a young student activist to a key political leader in Polokwane and Limpopo Province highlights his enduring commitment to social justice, education, and public service. His leadership continues to inspire many in the region and beyond.
