The ANC has rejected Limpopo Chairperson Stanley Mathabatha’s intention to step aside after a high-level meeting led by secretary-general Fikile Mbalula at Luthuli House on Thursday.
The meeting brought together members of the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) deployed to Limpopo, as well as the provincial executive leadership.
It followed Mathabatha’s letter signalling his readiness to vacate his position.
Mathabatha cited misconduct in regional conferences, particularly in Waterberg and Vhembe, as the reason for his request.
Decision Referred Back to Province
In a statement released after the meeting, the ANC confirmed it had resolved not to accept Mathabatha’s request.
Instead, the party referred the matter back to the Limpopo Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) for internal resolution.
“The meeting resolved to reject the Provincial Chairperson’s step-aside intention and to refer the matter back to the province, allowing space for issues raised by the Chairperson to be addressed internally and for a resolution to be found,” the ANC said.
The party said the province would formally communicate its deliberations to national officials at a later stage.
ANC Stresses Renewal and Unity
The ANC stated that Mbalula led Thursday’s discussions in accordance with its principles of renewal, unity, and accountability.
“The ANC emphasises that this process is guided by the principles of organisational renewal, unity, and accountability,” the party said.
With regional conferences in Limpopo now concluded, the ANC urged the province to shift focus towards governance and service delivery.
Call to Strengthen Community Trust
The party reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with communities and ensuring that electoral mandates translate into real change.
Mathabatha, Limpopo Chairperson since 2014 and the province’s former premier, has not publicly commented on the decision.
The ANC’s cautious handling of the matter reflects its approach to leadership changes in provinces seen as critical to its national support base, as it prepares for the 2026 local government elections.
Can the ANC contain provincial rifts in Limpopo as it heads into the 2026 local elections?
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