The Lephalale municipality in Limpopo has elected its fourth mayor since the 2021 local government elections.

The appointment of the African National Congress’ (ANC’s) Aaron Mokgehle follows the resignation of Louisa Shongwe who only served three months. She was advised to resign to make way for Mokgehle, who was recommended by the ANC’s Provincial Executive Committee.

According to ANC Waterberg regional task team spokesperson Seraka Mapeka, the party was optimistic that Mokgehle’s election would bring to finality a long-standing stalemate that had hindered service delivery.

Mapeka further expressed the ANC’s full commitment to Mokgehle, who won the election unopposed, with his task being to improve service delivery.

“The ANC is happy with Mokgehle’s appointment, and we also acknowledge that the work ahead is enormous, and the ANC appreciates the need to be united, as preparations for the 2024 general elections are set to start. The ANC remains a diverse and broad organisation, and the Regional Executive Committee appreciates that this diversity is no basis for disunity and fragmentation within the party,” Mapeka said.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the municipality pointed out the ANC has had mayors in and out of the executive position.

According to former Lephalale mayor Nico Pienaar the DA hopes that Mokgehle lasts in his post and renders proper service delivery.

“The majority in Council might not be on our side but the people are, and that's enough for us until the next election. The priority should be giving people the service delivery and not be caught up in the middle of ANC infighting,” he said.