ANC Limpopo chairperson's resignation confirms party 'renewal' project long collapsed

ANC Limpopo chairperson Stan Mathabatha’s reasons for quitting provide a glimpse of what has become of the party’s so-called renewal process championed by current president Cyril Ramaphosa. 

Mathabatha formally informed the party's national executive committee (NEC) of his decision to ‘step aside’ from his duties as provincial leader with immediate effect this week citing serious allegations of misconduct and a departure from ANC values within the provincial structures, particularly concerning the controversial regional conferences of Vhembe and Waterberg.

While the two regional conferences have been marred by alleged meddling and vote rigging apparently involving some party leaders at Luthuli House, the ANC’s national headquarters, Mathabatha would only cite what he described as  “unethical conduct” occurring under his leadership.

Mathabatha’s resignation, the first of provincial chairperson during Ramaphosa’s tenure, is significant if one looks at it in the context of how the current ANC Top 7  was elected to ‘clean the house’ and continue with the renewal process.

Ramaphosa was touted as the leader that would place unity above everything else, helping ignite the party’s fading spark.  However when a senior party leader steps down over internal squabbles such as those cited by Mathabatha, it’s a signal that the renewal process is nothing but rhetoric. 

If not, the SACP would not be forging ahead with its plans to contest next year’s local elections. Instead it would be already working on the ground to help its alliance partner regain the support it once enjoyed at some of the country’s key metros. 

If not, then senior NEC member Malusi Gigaba  would be wrong with his assessment that the ANC has “lost its way” and failed to achieve its goals, while fellow NEC member Senzo Mchunu warned that the party is on the verge of collapse.

Mathabatha’s reasons for stepping down from the leadership position place a final nail in ANC’s renewal project.

It confirms that this was nothing more than an attempt to mask the failures of the Ramaphosa era and it has backfired spectacularly. The road to the 2026 local elections may be the last straw that will break the ANC's back. 

CAPE TIMES