Molapi Soviet Lekganyane (born 18 April 1974) is a South African politician from Limpopo who rose through structures of the South African Communist Party (SACP) and the African National Congress (ANC) to hold senior provincial positions and, since June 2024, a seat in the National Assembly of South Africa.
His career includes roles as Provincial Secretary (both in the SACP and later in the ANC for Limpopo), a stint in the Limpopo Executive Council as Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Local Government and Housing, and election to the ANC’s National Executive Committee in 2022.
Bio Data
- Full Name: Molapi Soviet Lekganyane
- Born: 18 April 1974
- Age: ~ 51 years (as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Limpopo, South Africa
- Nationality: South African
- Occupation: Politician
- Parents: Father – Ngoako Simon Lekganyane
- Spouse: Married (name not publicly disclosed)
- Net Worth: Not publicly disclosed / not reliably reported
- Education / Qualifications: He holds a Secondary Teachers Diploma, LLB (law degree), Bachelor’s in Political Science, Honours in Political Science, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Leadership & Public Management.
Early life and roots in Limpopo
Lekganyane was born on 18 April 1974 and hails from Limpopo Province. Like many provincial politicians, his early political grounding was with labour and leftist formations that are closely allied with the ANC. His origins in Limpopo informed both his political network and his emphasis on local governance and service delivery throughout his career.
Rise through the SACP and entrance into government
Lekganyane first gained prominence as Provincial Secretary of the South African Communist Party in Limpopo (2008–2011). That role placed him in the heart of organised left-wing politics in the province and helped him build alliances with ANC structures. In May 2009 he was appointed to the Limpopo Executive Council as MEC for Local Government and Housing, a position that gave him direct administrative responsibility for housing and municipal affairs in a province that has repeatedly grappled with service-delivery challenges.
ANC Provincial Secretary — two terms, two contexts
Molapi Soviet Lekganyane served twice as ANC Provincial Secretary in Limpopo: first from December 2011 until March 2013 under chair Cassel Mathale, and later from June 2018 until June 2022 under chair Stan Mathabatha. These two terms reflect different internal ANC dynamics in Limpopo: the earlier period was marked by factional battles and an eventual disbanding of the provincial executive by national party leadership in 2013; the later term saw Lekganyane as a more seasoned provincial leader who publicly supported anti-corruption steps and took positions on internal party reform.
Controversies and challenges
Like many provincial executives operating in politically heated environments, Lekganyane’s career has not been free of controversy. In 2011 he resigned as SACP Provincial Secretary citing a breakdown in relations with the party’s national leadership; the SACP rejected his claims. Later, as ANC provincial secretary, he was linked to a reported physical altercation at a branch meeting in 2021 that led to competing complaints — an episode highlighting the factional tensions within provincial politics.
From provincial politics to national stage
At the ANC’s national conference in December 2022, Lekganyane was elected to the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) — a clear marker of his ascent to national relevance within the ANC. He was ranked relatively high among the 80 NEC members by votes received. Following the 2024 national elections, he was elected to the National Assembly (the lower house of Parliament) where he has taken up responsibilities including committee work and representation duties.
Parliamentary roles and current focus
As a Member of Parliament, Lekganyane has been named to committees and deputized on internal ANC dispute- and disciplinary-related committees within the party NEC structure. Official parliamentary profiles list him as taking on roles that connect parliamentary oversight with his prior focus on governance and financial oversight.
Political outlook and policy interests
Throughout his public career Lekganyane has repeatedly emphasized governance, fighting corruption in procurement and local government, and strengthening party structures. His practical experience as MEC for Local Government and Housing gives him a policy perspective grounded in municipal realities — from service delivery to housing policy — that he now brings to discussions at national level.
Public image and persona
Beyond policy, Lekganyane has occasionally attracted media attention for his public demeanour and presence at official events. Local and national media coverage in recent years has covered both his political actions and lighter features on style and public image, illustrating how modern politicians are covered across policy and lifestyle beats.
FAQs
When and where was Soviet Lekganyane born?
Molapi Soviet Lekganyane was born on 18 April 1974. He is from Limpopo Province in South Africa.
What party does Soviet Lekganyane belong to?
He is a member of the African National Congress (ANC) and has also been active in the South African Communist Party (SACP).
What positions has he held in Limpopo?
He served as Provincial Secretary of the SACP (2008–2011), MEC for Local Government and Housing (2009–2012), and ANC Provincial Secretary in Limpopo (2011–2013 and 2018–2022).
Is Soviet Lekganyane a Member of Parliament?
Yes — he was elected to the National Assembly in June 2024 and holds responsibilities on parliamentary committees.
Has he held any national ANC positions?
He was elected to the ANC’s National Executive Committee at the party’s December 2022 conference, and served on NEC committees such as disciplinary and dispute resolution bodies.
Conclusion
Molapi Soviet Lekganyane’s biography is the story of a provincial operator who has steadily risen through ANC and allied structures to reach the national stage. Rooted in Limpopo’s local politics and governance challenges, his trajectory includes leadership roles in the SACP, executive responsibilities as an MEC, two terms as ANC Provincial Secretary in Limpopo, election to the ANC NEC, and finally a seat in the National Assembly. His career illustrates the fluid path between party structures and public office in South Africa — and highlights how provincial experience continues to shape national political leadership.
