While people had been asking themselves about the whereabouts of an ANC veteran, Mr Rufus Selepe, the party decided to appoint him as a councillor for Ward 24. His appointment follows the by-election that was held at Makhado Municipality's Ward 24 on 28 March this year.

Selepe was appointed after the ANC had won the by-election by collecting 92% of the votes. The by-elections were held in the ward, following the passing away of the the late councillor Cllr Selina Gundula. She passed away in November last year.

Selepe, who is a former portfolio head of community services in the Vhembe District, had been jobless for the past ten months. Many people thought it was the end of his political career, but his return to office proved them wrong.

During his political career, Selepe had always been a fighter. His previous experience includes being the Chief Whip of the Makhado Municipality from 2006 to 2008. He was a portfolio head of community services at the district municipality from 2009 to 2011. Selepe worked as a provincial organiser of the ANC for more than 10 years.

The council formally welcomed Selepe during its sitting a week ago. Speaking to Mirror last week, Selepe said that he had done it before and would still do it now. He said: "I am prepared to continue to render service delivery to the people. Consultation is the main thing and I will always consult my community. Nothing for them without them."

Selepe, who is the current deputy chairperson for the Muhovhi ANC branch, assured members of the community that there will be a lot of changes in all the villages around the ward. Selepe added that he was happy to be back in the municipality. "I am back where I belong, but the ANC decides. I know that the community will benefit a lot from me," he said.