‘Dramatic & cowardly’ — ANCYL tears into Mathabatha exit

ANCYL

Cape Town – The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in Limpopo has criticised the resignation of Stanley Mathabatha as the ANC provincial chairperson, describing his decision as an act of cowardice and calling on the ANC to reject his request to step aside.

Mathabatha, who served as Limpopo ANC chairperson since 2014 and as premier until 2024, announced his resignation on September 1, citing concerns about unethical conduct and a breakdown of party values during recent regional conferences.

Mathabatha expressed frustration over internal party turmoil in the Vhembe and Waterberg regions, stating that factionalism was undermining the ANC’s integrity.

“This decision is motivated by the concerning misconduct and lack of ANC values I have observed within the organisation in the province, particularly in relation to the processes towards and conduct within the conferences of the Vhembe and Waterberg regions,” he said.

The ANCYL in Limpopo said it received Mathabatha’s resignation letter with mixed emotions but ultimately condemned his decision.

“The ANCYL Limpopo recognises Cde Stanley Mathabatha as one of tried and tested cadres of the movement with rich track record in the struggle of our people. Above all, he came back to the province when the ANC and government of Limpopo needed a leader to stabilize the experienced relative especially during this renewal phase,” it said in a statement.

“The ANCYL Limpopo does acquiesce with the claims of the ANC having its own challenges, hence the renewal project, however we receive this letter with ambivalent feelings on the basis of the messenger of this message. It can’t be a provincial Chairperson who is expected to provide perspicacious assessment of the situation and therefore provide a solution, instead, we are being dragged into this dramatic posture as a movement. The ANCYL Limpopo further refuse the characterisation of the ANC as purported in the letter. If there is degeneration in the character of our movement, it is the role of its leadership to take responsibility not to run away from issues instead of providing leadership. This, in our observation, is a sign of cowardice.”

The ANC on Wednesday said it had summoned Mathabatha to Luthuli House to explain his request to step aside and his concerns about the party’s declining values.

The party will also meet with Limpopo provincial leadership to discuss the issues.

While the ANC confirmed receipt of Mathabatha’s letter citing misconduct and ethical breakdowns, it expressed disapproval that the letter first appeared on social media instead of through official internal channels.

“The ANC registers its dismay that this correspondence first surfaced on social media before internal party protocols were observed.

“We reiterate that proper organisational procedures must always be followed, and internal discipline respected, as guided by the constitution of the ANC,” the party said in a statement.

With the 2026 local government elections approaching, the ANC in Limpopo faces mounting pressure to resolve internal conflicts and restore unity.

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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele

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