ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula meets Limpopo chairperson Stan Mathabatha following his dramatic step-aside letter, igniting urgent talks about the future of the province’s leadership. Image credits: ANC
(The Post News) – The ANC Limpopo Leadership Crisis has escalated after provincial chairperson Stan Mathabatha voluntarily stepped aside, citing election irregularities and deepening concerns about misconduct within the party’s regional structures. This move has prompted urgent intervention from ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, who is now mediating between Mathabatha and the provincial leadership.
ANC Limpopo Leadership Crisis: Step-Aside Letter Shakes Province
In a strongly worded letter dated September 1, Mathabatha announced his decision to step aside from his position as ANC Limpopo provincial chairperson. He cited widespread irregularities in the Vhembe and Waterberg regional conferences, accusing party structures of allowing “the degeneration to continue unchecked.”
Mathabatha wrote, “I can no longer remain silent as these patterns persist and erode the very values of our movement.”
His letter immediately drew the attention of Luthuli House, triggering a meeting scheduled for Wednesday between him and secretary-general Fikile Mbalula. Mbalula has been tasked with handling all ANC conferences and will also meet the Limpopo provincial top five on Thursday, September 4, 2025, to find a way forward.
Fikile Mbalula Steps In Amid ANC Limpopo Leadership Crisis
Confirming the developments, ANC national spokesperson Hlengiwe Bhengu-Motsiri said,“The ANC confirms receipt of a letter dated September 1, 2025, from comrade Chupu Stan Mathabatha, in which he communicated his decision to step aside from his responsibilities as provincial chairperson in Limpopo province.
In his correspondence, comrade Mathabatha raised concerns about misconduct, the erosion of ANC values, and processes relating to conferences in the Vhembe and Waterberg regions.”
Bhengu-Motsiri added that Mbalula’s intervention aims to address Mathabatha’s grievances and stabilize leadership tensions in the province.“Following receipt of the letter, the secretary-general of the ANC, comrade Fikile Mbalula, has convened a meeting with comrade Mathabatha to deliberate on the issues raised, followed by a meeting with the Limpopo provincial leadership to discuss the matter.”
Letter Leak Adds to ANC Limpopo Leadership Crisis
The crisis deepened further after Mathabatha’s letter was leaked to the media before it was formally processed through internal ANC channels.
Bhengu-Motsiri criticized the leak, urging leaders and members to follow proper channels: “The leaking of such letters undermines internal processes. The ANC encourages comrades to express their dissent with discipline and within organizational structures.”
Pending NWC Report Delays Resolution
The ANC’s national working committee (NWC) was expected to receive a task team report investigating irregularities in the Vhembe and Peter Mokaba regional conferences. However, the report has been repeatedly postponed, fueling frustration among Limpopo members.
The report is now expected to be tabled on Monday, provided the NWC convenes as planned. The findings are expected to have a significant impact on whether Mathabatha returns to his post or whether a provincial elective conference might be called earlier than expected.
What’s Next in the ANC Limpopo Leadership Crisis?
Mathabatha has expressed that he will only consider returning as provincial chairperson if he is granted an audience with the ANC’s top seven leaders, a request that has yet to be confirmed.
Mbalula’s back-to-back meetings with Mathabatha and the provincial top five are being closely watched. Political analysts say the outcome will determine whether Limpopo heads toward a united front ahead of the ANC’s national general council or plunges deeper into internal strife.
Implications for Limpopo and the ANC
The ANC Limpopo Leadership Crisis comes at a time when the party is preparing for the 2026 local government elections. Limpopo has historically been one of the ANC’s strongest provinces, delivering overwhelming victories. However, growing dissatisfaction, allegations of conference rigging, and internal factionalism could weaken its electoral performance.
Political analyst has warned that unresolved disputes risk eroding voter confidence: “When provincial leadership disputes are not addressed swiftly, they often spill over into election campaigns, reducing turnout and causing internal boycotts.”
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