Stanley Mathabatha summoned by ANC over explosive resignation and corruption claims

ANC has summoned the Limpopo chairperson, Stanley Mathabatha, to Luthuli House in Johannesburg to explain his reasons to step aside as well as his position on the “erosion of ANC values”.

The ANC secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, has convened a meeting with Mathabatha to deliberate on the issues raised. This will be followed by a meeting with the Limpopo Provincial leadership on Thursday.

Mathabatha has asked to step aside as the ANC provincial chairperson in Limpopo, citing concerns about misconduct and a departure from the party’s core values.

In a letter dated September 1 - seen by IOL - Mathabatha cited widespread unethical conduct and a breakdown in organisational integrity, particularly in relation to the recent regional conferences in Vhembe and Waterberg, as key reasons for his decision.

The ANC has confirmed that it has received the letter and said it will address the matter accordingly.

However, the party said it was not happy with how the news was announced on social media instead of the official platform internally.

“The ANC registers its dismay that this correspondence first surfaced on social media before internal party protocols were observed.

“We reiterate that proper organisational procedures must always be followed, and internal discipline respected, as guided by the constitution of the ANC,” the party said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Mathatabatha’s concerns come after many party members complained about the state of the ANC and how it has turned into the face of corruption, opportunists and a failed institution to deliver on their commitments.

Over the weekend, ANC national executive committee (NEC) member Bathabile Dlamini told party leaders to focus on improving and renewing the ANC instead of internal squabbling over power.

Dlamini made the remarks during the Waterberg regional elective conference in Limpopo, telling the delegates to avoid getting less than 30% support in the 2026 local government elections.

In July, ANC Youth League (ANCYL) President, Collen Malatji, torched the party’s leadership in a scathing rebuke, saying the ANC’s name has become tainted to the extent that citizens view it as a symbol of corruption, broken promises, and failed service delivery.

“No one believes anything the ANC says anymore. It is only members of the ANC who we believe in each other. But when we leave, no one believes us,” Malatji said.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

IOL Politics