The African National Congress (ANC) has emphatically rejected the decision of Limpopo Provincial Chairperson Stanley Mathabatha to step aside from his position. The determination came during a crucial meeting held at Luthuli House, convened by ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula with members of the Limpopo Provincial Executive Committee on Thursday.
Mathabatha’s intention to resign was rooted in alarming allegations of unethical practices that he contends are undermining the very values the ANC champions. As the former premier of Limpopo and a Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform, Mathabatha has been a vocal critic of what he perceives as misconduct permeating the organisation. He expressed his frustrations regarding the processes followed during the Vhembe and Waterberg regional elective conferences, which he described as misaligned with the party’s principles of integrity and accountability.
After thorough discussions during the meeting, the party resolved to reject Mathabatha’s request. However, rather than dismissing the issues raised outright, the ANC leadership chose to refer the matter back to the province for internal deliberation. This demonstrates a commitment to fostering dialogue and resolution within the ranks, signalling a step towards addressing the concerns regarding governance and ethical standards.
The ANC has reiterated its focus on organisational renewal, unity, and accountability. As all regional conferences in Limpopo have now concluded, the emphasis is expected to shift towards enhancing service delivery in the province, a vital component in maintaining public trust and efficacy. The party’s leadership is under increasing pressure to ensure that internal conflicts do not derail its mission of governance and community service.