Cape Town – ANC Limpopo chairperson and deputy minister of land affairs, Stan Mathabatha, has resigned from his provincial leadership role, citing irregularities and misconduct in regional conferences.
In a letter to ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, Mathabatha pointed to controversies in the Vhembe and Waterberg regions, where allegations of vote rigging and interference by national leaders have surfaced.
“I would like to formally inform the national executive committee of my decision to step aside as the chairperson of the ANC in Limpopo, effective immediately,” Mathabatha said in his letter dated September 1.
#BREAKING #ANCLimpopo Provincial Chairperson Stanley Chupu Mathabatha has stepped aside from his role in the ANC due to processes followed for the Vhembe and Waterburg Regional Conferences. Limpopo Regional conferences have been marred by problems and disputes. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/txBzKOnb2R
— #LordOfTheMedia (@samkelemaseko) September 1, 2025
“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.”
These disputes are tied to the succession battle between Limpopo premier Phophi Ramathuba and Peter Mokaba regional chair John Mpe.
The former chairperson stated that he could not allow himself to be compromised by the “un-ANC tendencies” that had occurred under his leadership in Limpopo.
“In order to uphold my reputation and integrity, I cannot stand aloof to such unethical and un-ANC tendencies occurring under my leadership.
“I always stand available to deliberate these issues further with the National Office Bearers of the ANC at their convenience and make myself available for any interviews.
“Until then, I will step aside to allow the organisation to function without my involvement,” said Mathabatha.
His resignation puts pressure on the ANC NEC to confront the allegations of vote manipulation and its controversial role in overseeing the provincial conferences.
However, the Congress of the People (COPE) has rejected Mathabatha’s resignation, dismissing it as dishonest and describing it as a performance intended to cover up his involvement in corruption and moral bankruptcy.
02 September 2025
To all media houses.
COPE IN LIMPOPO REJECTS MATHABATHA’S DECISION TO RESIGN AS DISHONEST
For Immediate release.
The Congress of the People (COPE) in Limpopo unequivocally dismisses the resignation of former ANC Limpopo chairperson Stanley Mathabatha. We… pic.twitter.com/s5xeC4wUPH
— Congress of the People (@COPE_RSA) September 2, 2025
“Mathabatha’s sudden departure, citing unethical behaviour, misconduct, and a decline in ANC values, is a hollow attempt to rewrite history and deceive the very people whose livelihoods he and his comrades have systematically destroyed.
“This is not a moment of redemption but a desperate scramble to salvage a tarnished reputation as the ANC’s grip on power weakens under its first coalition government since 1994,” said COPE.
The party has demanded transparency and honesty from Mathabatha, calling on him to explain the “unethical acts” that led to his resignation.
COPE further accused him of staging a PR stunt to conceal the fact that he benefited from the same corrupt system that has harmed the people of Limpopo.
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Compiled by Anda Tolibadi
