“A Champion for Change: Tonny Rachoene’s Commitment to Limpopo Growth”

Tonny Rachoene: The Driving Force Behind Limpopo’s Growth.

The MEC for Public Works, Roads, and Infrastructure in Limpopo, South Africa, Tonny Rachoene has indeed made significant strides in his role. His key accomplishments include:

 - Job Creation: Rachoene has created over 342 jobs in a short span, with 168 new permanent employees joining the department. He plans to welcome 150 more employees in May, further boosting job creation efforts.

- Dikgerekgere Program: This initiative aims to rehabilitate gravel roads, creating over 300 jobs for young people. The program focuses on grading, regravelling, and clearing roads across the province, improving transportation and instilling a sense of ownership among youth.

- Infrastructure Development: Rachoene has overseen various projects, including road construction and maintenance, providing employment opportunities for locals. His department prioritizes strategic roads leading to economic areas, enhancing accessibility and economic growth.

- Youth Empowerment: As a former ANCYL chairperson, Rachoene has advocated for youth empowerment and job creation. His efforts have contributed to creating employment opportunities, aligning with the province's vision for job creation and service delivery.

- Community-Based Projects: Rachoene's initiatives focus on creating jobs and stimulating local economic growth, helping reduce unemployment and poverty in the province. His department engages with stakeholders, including traditional councils, to address service delivery bottlenecks and improve infrastructure.

 Rachoene's achievements demonstrate his commitment to driving development and growth in Limpopo. His leadership style and approach have garnered appreciation from the community and the premier, who acknowledges the positive impact of the Dikgerekgere program on unpaved roads and job creation. 

He delivered an inspiring budget speech at the Limpopo Legislature in Lebowakgomo that has garnered attention countrywide. Here are some key highlights from his speech:

- Budget Allocation: The department has been allocated R15.274 billion for the next three financial years, with R5.627 billion available for the 2025/26 financial year. This includes conditional grant funding of R2.068 billion for provincial roads maintenance.

- Dikgerekgere Initiative: Rachoene's initiative, aimed at regravelling, blading, and roadside de-bushing, has yielded positive results, making many communities more accessible. The program has created jobs and improved road infrastructure in the province.

- Job Creation: The department has created over 342 jobs in five months, with 168 new permanent employees joining the public service on April 1, 2025. Rachoene emphasized the department's commitment to reducing unemployment and addressing capacity challenges.

- Infrastructure Development: The department has stabilized its infrastructure directorates, ensuring they can implement infrastructure projects on behalf of other departments, including Education and Health. Special attention has been given to Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL) to reshape it and ensure it responds to community needs.

- Contractor Development: The Limpopo Contractor Development Programme (LCDP) has enrolled 36 learner contractors, with 67% being young people and 53% women. The program aims to develop and skill emerging contractors to a competitive level.

- Partnerships: Rachoene announced a partnership with Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services (MERSETA) worth R20 million, which will further support the development of emerging contractors.

- St Engenas Zion Christian Church Interchange: The department has completed designs for the interchange, and construction is set to begin soon, with an allocated funding of R125 million. The project aims to ease congestion and improve safety, especially during pilgrimage periods.

Overall, Rachoene's budget speech highlights the department's commitment to infrastructure development, job creation, and service delivery in Limpopo.

His leadership style and approach seem to prioritize job creation, infrastructure development, and community engagement. Some notable aspects of his leadership include:

- Proactive Approach: Rachoene has taken a proactive stance on addressing challenges, such as stabilizing the Roads Agency Limpopo and implementing the Dikgerekgere initiative.

- Job Creation Focus: His emphasis on creating employment opportunities and supporting emerging contractors demonstrates a commitment to economic growth and development in Limpopo.

- Community-Centric: Rachoene's focus on making infrastructure projects responsive to community needs suggests a people-centered approach to governance.

- Partnership Building: His efforts to secure partnerships, such as with MERSETA, indicate a willingness to collaborate and leverage resources for the benefit of Limpopo.

Some potential areas for evaluation include:

- Implementation and Delivery: The success of Rachoene's initiatives will depend on effective implementation and delivery, which can be challenging in the public sector.

- Sustainability: The long-term sustainability of projects and initiatives will be crucial to ensuring lasting impact and benefits for the community.

- Transparency and Accountability: As with any leadership role, transparency and accountability will be essential in maintaining public trust and confidence.

 He is taking a proactive approach to addressing the challenges in his department. However, the complexity of infrastructure development, job creation, and service delivery in Limpopo will require sustained effort, strategic thinking, and effective collaboration.

Rachoene is indeed being considered for the position of Deputy Chairperson in the Peter Mokaba Region of the African National Congress (ANC). His supporters, including the ANC Youth League, believe he possesses the leadership skills necessary for the role. Here are some key points about his potential appointment:

- Support from ANC Youth League: The league has expressed its backing for Rachoene, with their provincial chairperson, Faith Sebopela andprovincial secretary Phineas "Boko" Sebola, praising his work as MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure in Limpopo.

- Endorsements: Rachoene has received endorsements from various sub-regions, including Sefako-Makgato, Polokwane, Molemole, and Blouberg.

- Leadership Credentials: As the former ANC Youth League Provincial Chairperson and current MEC, Rachoene has demonstrated his ability to drive development and growth in Limpopo.

- Job Creation: His initiatives, such as the Dikgerekgere program, have created over 300 jobs for young people, showcasing his commitment to empowering the youth.

- ANC Support: The ANC Youth League has also called for Rachoene to be co-opted into the ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) due to his effective leadership.

It's worth noting that the ANC Peter Mokaba Region's elective conference, where the new leadership would be elected, has been postponed due to delays in branch general meetings. The conference's outcome will determine the region's leadership.

Contralesa President Kgoshi Mathupa Mokoena has expressed strong support for Rachoene, former ANCYL provincial chairperson in Limpopo.

Here's why:

- Respect for Traditional Leaders: Rachoene's initiative, "Magoshi Fridays," which involves visiting and donating to traditional leaders, has earned him praise from Kgoshi Mokoena. This program aims to bridge the gap between the government and traditional leaders, restoring the latter's dignity.

- Endorsement: Kgoshi Mokoena has publicly endorsed Rachoene, describing him as a "good leader who respects elders." He has also encouraged traditional leaders to support Rachoene's efforts.

- Reviving ANC-Traditional Leader Relations: Kgoshi Mokoena believes Rachoene has revived the ANC's relationship with traditional leaders in Limpopo, who had grown disillusioned with the party. Contralesa has pledged to support the ANC in the next elections due to Rachoene's efforts.

- Appreciation for Rachoene's Leadership: Kgoshi Mokoena has thanked Rachoene for his leadership and for creating a good relationship with traditional leaders. He has also praised Rachoene's charity work and initiatives, such as the Annual Charity Tournament.

Overall, Kgoshi Mokoena's support for Rachoene is rooted in the latter's commitment to respecting and empowering traditional leaders in Limpopo.

Tonny Rachoene's potential for a future promotion to a senior politician leading nationally seems promising, given his:

- Leadership Experience: As the MEC for Public Works, Roads, and Infrastructure in Limpopo, Rachoene has demonstrated his ability to deliver infrastructure projects and create jobs.

- Youth Leadership: As the chairperson of the ANC Youth League in Limpopo, Rachoene has shown his capacity to mobilize and inspire young people.

- Support from Key Stakeholders: The Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa) has thrown its weight behind Rachoene, praising his leadership and respect for traditional authorities.

- Advocacy Skills: Rachoene's advocacy for workers' rights as a former unionist and NEHAWU branch secretary showcases his commitment to social justice.

Some potential areas for growth and consideration include ¹ ² ³:

- National Visibility: While Rachoene has made a positive impact in Limpopo, his national profile and recognition might be limited.

- Policy Experience: Rachoene's experience in policy making and implementation at a national level could be further developed.

- Party Politics: As a senior politician, Rachoene would need to navigate complex party dynamics and build alliances.

Overall, Rachoene's leadership skills, experience, and support from key stakeholders position him well for potential future growth and consideration for senior national roles.