All five ANC regions in Limpopo have agreed to put forward a collective slate of provincial officials in a calculated move to avert a bruising leadership battle between Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba and Polokwane mayor John Mpe.

This as the party edges closer to its provincial conference.

The resolution followed a heated meeting on Thursday, where regional leaders confronted growing tensions over who should steer the party in a province long plagued by factionalism and leadership instability.

Regions especially the Peter Mokaba openly favoured Mpe, citing his reputation as a unifier, while others rallied behind Ramathuba, whose rise to the premiership has reshaped the province’s political balance.

In a joint statement seen by IOL, the regions said the decision was driven by the need to protect organisational unity at a critical moment.

“This collective decision is rooted in our commitment to unity, internal cohesion, and the strengthening of the organisation’s capacity to serve the people of Limpopo,” the statement read.

The compromise comes as ANC branches prepare to open nominations in the coming weeks, a process that has historically triggered deep internal divisions in Limpopo.

The agreed leadership perspective proposes Ramathuba as provincial chairperson, with Mpe as deputy chairperson.

Vhamusanda Reuben Madadzhe is earmarked for secretary, Pule Shayi for deputy secretary, and Eddie Maila for treasurer.

Regional leaders described the deal as a strategic intervention aimed at preventing a destabilising contest that could weaken the party ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

“As regions, we are elated that this clear-eyed, herculean effort allows us to channel all our energies towards the renewal, consolidation, and advancement of the ANC in Limpopo,” the statement said, emphasising a renewed focus on governance and service delivery.

The move also unfolds against the backdrop of lingering fallout from last year’s dramatic exit of former premier Stanley Mathabatha, who stepped aside as ANC provincial chairperson after raising alarm over misconduct and ethical decay within the party.

In a letter dated September 1 to ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, Mathabatha cited a breakdown in organisational integrity, particularly during contentious regional conferences in Vhembe and Waterberg.

However, the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) rejected his resignation.

With leadership credibility under scrutiny and factional wounds still raw, the regions’ unity pact signals an attempt to stabilise the ANC in Limpopo.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

IOL Politics

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