ANC blocks Mathabatha’s step-aside request, sends matter to Limpopo PEC

Cape Town – The ANC has rejected Limpopo Chairperson Stanley Mathabatha’s request to step aside, following a high-level meeting at Luthuli House led by Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula.

Mathabatha had cited misconduct in regional conferences, particularly in Waterberg and Vhembe, as reasons for stepping aside.

Instead of accepting his request, the ANC referred the matter back to the Limpopo Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) for internal resolution.

“The meeting resolved to reject the Provincial Chairperson’s step-aside intention and to refer the matter back to the province, allowing space for issues raised by the Chairperson to be addressed internally and for a resolution to be found,” a statement released after the meeting read.

@MYANC has rejected its Limpopo provincial chairperson, Stanley Chupu Mathabatha’s intention to step aside. In a meeting convened by ANC SG @MbalulaFikile, Limpopo NEC deployees & PEC on Thursday, it was decided that the matter be referred back to Limpopo for internal resolution. pic.twitter.com/vBdggPrclw

— Lesetja Makhura (@Lesetja_Makhura) September 5, 2025

The party emphasised that the process would follow principles of renewal, unity, and accountability.

“The ANC emphasises that this process is guided by the principles of organisational renewal, unity, and accountability,” the party said.

It added: “The ANC reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the bond of trust between the movement and the communities we serve, and to ensuring that the confidence expressed through the ballot continues to translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives.”

With Limpopo’s regional conferences concluded, the ANC urged the province to focus on governance and service delivery while maintaining strong community ties.

Mathabatha, who has been chairperson since 2014 and is a former provincial premier, has not publicly commented.