ANC Limpopo chairperson Mathabatha steps aside over integrity concerns

The African National Congress (ANC) in Limpopo has been dealt a significant leadership blow following the decision by Provincial Chairperson Stanley Mathabatha to step aside from his position with immediate effect.

In a letter to ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, dated 1 September 2025, Mathabatha said the move was necessary to safeguard his reputation and integrity amid what he described as troubling misconduct and a departure from ANC values within the provincial structures.

“I cannot stand aloof to such unethical and un-ANC tendencies occurring under my leadership,” Mathabatha wrote. He cited irregularities and questionable conduct during the Vhembe and Waterberg regional conferences as central to his decision.

While distancing himself from these developments, Mathabatha emphasised that he remains committed to engaging the party at national level. He pledged to make himself available for discussions with national office bearers and for media interviews, while stepping aside to “allow the organisation to function without my involvement.”

His exit comes at a sensitive time for the ANC in Limpopo, where internal divisions and contested regional processes have continued to raise questions about unity and discipline in the party.

The ANC’s national leadership had not issued a formal response to Mathabatha’s decision at the time of publishing.

Premier Phophi Ramathuba, a leading candidate to succeed Mathabatha as provincial chair, is accused by aggrieved parties of manipulating votes in regional conferences. 
The ANC in Limpopo has also lost, Boy Mamabolo, a former MP who was on suspension, who resigned this week claiming internal saboge and marginalisation.

Mathabatha is the first provincial chairperson of the ANC to ask to step aside from his role under Cyril Ramaphosa's presidency.