ANC rejects Stanley Mathabatha’s step-aside move, refers matter back to Limpopo PEC

ANC has rejected Limpopo Chairperson Stanley Mathabatha’s intention to step aside, following a high-level meeting convened by secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, at Luthuli House on Thursday.

The meeting, which included members of the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) deployed to Limpopo and the provincial executive leadership, was held in response to a letter from Mathabatha in which he signalled his readiness to vacate his position.

Mathabatha asked to step aside from his duties, citing misconduct in regional conferences, particularly the Waterberg and Vhembe. 

In a statement released after the meeting, the ANC confirmed that it had resolved not to accept the chairperson’s request.

Instead, the matter has been referred 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 statement read.

The party said the outcome of the provincial deliberations would be formally communicated to national officials at a later meeting.

Mbalula, acting within his role to provide organisational guidance, led Thursday’s engagements, which the ANC described as being underpinned by its principles of renewal, unity, and accountability.

The meeting comes amid increasing scrutiny of internal party dynamics and leadership transitions across several provinces.

“The ANC emphasises that this process is guided by the principles of organisational renewal, unity, and accountability,” the party said.

With all regional conferences in Limpopo now successfully concluded, the ANC has called on the province to shift its focus towards governance and service delivery.

The party said it remained committed to strengthening its bond with communities and ensuring that electoral mandates translate into real change.

“The ANC reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the bond of trust between the movement and the communities we serve, and to ensuring that the confidence expressed through the ballot continues to translate into tangible improvements in people's lives.”

Mathabatha, who has served as Limpopo Chairperson since 2014 and is also the former premier of the province, has not publicly commented on the developments.

The ANC’s handling of the matter signals a cautious approach to leadership changes, particularly in provinces seen as crucial to its national support base ahead of the next electoral cycle. 

This is as the party is preparing for the 2026 local government elections. 

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za 

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