Agreement Mkhari 
The Norman Mashabane region is abuzz with excitement as it prepares for its 9th Regional Conference next week. On 26 April 2025, about 60 percent of branches gathered at African Calabash Lodge in Tzaneen to complete their registration, marking the first step towards the much-anticipated conference.
Goodman Mtileni, known as the “Moses” of the region, is emerging as the clear favourite to take over leadership. Mtileni commands a strong majority of branches across Norman Mashabane, especially in his home subregion of Giyani, where he enjoys support from 90 percent of the branches. This overwhelming backing puts him and his team in a winning position ahead of the conference.
Meanwhile, the opposing “3rd Term” slate is struggling. Their troubles began after Odas Ngobeni, spokesperson of Mopani District Municipality, was removed from the top five executive. In response, Ngobeni formed a new slate known as “GNU,” joined by Sydney Mabunda from Giyani and Mahira Masekwameng, the Chairperson of the Phalaborwa subregion. The GNU slate is now splitting votes with the “3rd Term” group, which only strengthens the position of the “Straight Line” faction, led by Goodman Mtileni and Gerson Molapisane, the mayor of Greater Tzaneen Municipality.
With momentum on his side, it is now only a matter of time before Goodman Mtileni claims his rightful place as the Executive Mayor of Mopani District Municipality.
