THE CHIEF WHIP OF COUNCIL
CLLR LESIBA MATSEMELA
Councillor Lesiba Matsemela has been elected as the new Chief Whip of Capricorn District Municipality, effective October 18, 2024. This esteemed position is a testament to his exceptional leadership skills and extensive experience in public service.
Born in Seshego township, outside Polokwane, Cllr. Matsemela’s educational background includes a Senior Certificate from Khaiso High School, a National Certificate in Community Development from the University of Venda and Certificates in Municipal Office Administration and Project Management.
His professional journey began as a Community Development Worker at the Office of the Premier from 2006 to 2008, followed by a transfer to Coghsta, where he held the same position. Later, he served as a Branding Officer for Capricorn District Municipality from 2018 to July 2024.
Cllr. Matsemela’s entry into politics began at the age of 18, as a member of the Congress of South African Students (Cosas) Seshego Branch. He progressed to become the Deputy Chairperson of Cosas Seshego Branch and later joined the South African Students Congress (Sasco) at the University of South Africa (Unisa). Notably, he was elected Deputy Regional Chairperson of Sasco Capricorn Region from 2006 to 2007.
Within the African National Congress (ANC), Cllr. Matsemela has held various positions, including:
- Member of African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in Ward 12, Seshego (2004-2006).
- Secretary- Young Communist League Ward 12 (2004-2005)
- Branch Executive Member, ANC Ward 37 Seshego (2007-2013)
- Branch Secretary, ANC Suzan Shadung Branch September 2013 to present.
- Deputy Sub-Regional Secretary of ANC chaired by Jay Jay Mavanyisa.
- Polokwane Sub-Regional Secretary 25 March 2023 to date
Cllr. Matsemela’s impressive track record demonstrates his ability to lead and serve with dedication and excellence. As the new Chief Whip, he is well-suited to preside over the multifaceted council, bringing valuable expertise and experience to the role.
THE ROLE OF THE CHIEF WHIP
Office of the Chief Whip is the nerve centre of the ruling party’s political management system and the engine of cohesion, discipline and accountability of all public representatives to the structures of the movement and their constituencies. The Chief Whip is accountable to the Regional Executive Committee (REC) on the day to day work of the party’s public representatives. Together with the Office of the Executive Mayor and the Speaker, the Chief Whip’s Office is the central pillar on which the governing party’s programme stands or fall.
The Office of the Chief Whip has a duty to ensure effective management among all these three key centres of authority and to do this effectively, the Chief Whip has to work very closely and dynamically with the Regional Secretary. The Chief Whip and the Caucus Leadership bear the leadership responsibility of motivating, advising and instilling discipline among all members of the Caucus. Chief Whip is responsible for the supervision and management of the staff of the party’s caucus as well the efficient running and coordination of constituency work of councillors.
What is Caucus?
- The Caucus is the collective custodian of the party’s policy in Government, on behalf of the constitutional structures.
- It is responsible for ensuring cohesion and discipline among cadres in the municipality
- Its decisions are binding on all cadres and they can only be voted by the party’s constitutional structures
It receives reports from the Executive Mayor on the implementation of the party’s Manifesto and its programmes.