Cde Xolani Tseletsele
Proven ANC leader and strategist, from student activism in ANCYL and SASCO to leadership in YCLSA and ANCYL structures. As Provincial Chairperson of the ANCYL, YCLSA National Committee member, Mayor of Kopanong, and Ward Councillor of Jagersfontein, combines political insight with governance experience to drive youth mobilisation, community development, and accountable municipal leadership.
Honourable Cde. Xolani Tseletsele
Executive Mayor
On Political Leadership
Comrade Xolani Tseletsele has consistently demonstrated leadership across multiple structures of the African National Congress (ANC) and its alliance partners, advancing the vision of the movement at both grassroots and provincial levels.
My political journey began in youth and student activism, where I served in the ANCYL Branch and the SASCO Branch, advocating for the rights of young people and students. I actively participated in the Student Representative Council, representing student interests and ensuring accountability in campus governance.
I then progressed to leadership in the Young Communist League of South Africa (YCLSA), serving first as District Secretary of the District Committee and later as Provincial Deputy Secretary. My commitment and strategic leadership led to my appointment as YCLSA Provincial Secretary. During this period, I also held the role of ANCYL Provincial Coordinator, demonstrating the ability to lead across multiple structures simultaneously, coordinating political programmes, campaigns, and youth mobilisation initiatives.
Currently, I serve as the Provincial Chairperson of the ANCYL and a National Committee Member of the YCLSA, roles that require strategic thinking, political coordination, and implementation of the ANC’s programmes for youth empowerment, political education, and community development. My leadership in these structures reflects a deep commitment to building the ANC’s presence among young people and ensuring that its policies are translated into tangible outcomes for communities.
On Governance Leadership
In governance, I serve as the Ward Councillor of Jagersfontein, Ward 6, Free State, Xhariep Region, representing my community’s interests and ensuring that local government delivers on its mandate. I am also the Mayor of Kopanong Local Municipality, where I chair the Section 80 Committee on Finance and Cooperative Governance, providing oversight and strategic leadership to strengthen municipal financial management and accountability.
As Chairperson of the Executive Committee, I lead the municipality in implementing integrated development plans, ensuring alignment with ANC priorities, and promoting transparent, accountable governance. My experience bridges political leadership and governance, equipping me with a unique perspective on translating political programmes into practical service delivery outcomes.
I am highly motivated to participate in this programme, as it provides an opportunity to further develop strategic leadership skills, strengthen governance practices, and continue my work of empowering communities while advancing the ANC’s political and developmental agenda.