Stan Mathabatha resigns as ANC Limpopo chair – here’s why

In a significant turn of events, former Limpopo Premier and long-standing African National Congress (ANC) provincial chairperson, Stanley Mathabatha, has stepped down from his leadership role, citing “unethical conduct and a loss of ANC values” within the party’s provincial structures.

Mathabatha’s decision, conveyed in a letter dated 1 September and addressed to ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, is being treated as a watershed moment for politics in Limpopo. The 66-year-old, who has led the ANC in the province for many years, said he could no longer preside over practices that, in his view, undermined the organisation’s integrity.

At the heart of Mathabatha’s resignation are the recently held regional conferences in Vhembe and Waterberg, both of which have been dogged by allegations of irregularities. In his correspondence, Mathabatha highlighted problems with processes and conduct at the conferences, which he described as symptomatic of a wider breakdown in internal governance.

“This decision is motivated by the concerning misconduct and lack of ANC values that I have observed within the organisation in this province, particularly in relation to the processes towards and conduct within the conferences of the Vhembe and Waterberg regions,” Mathabatha wrote. “To uphold my reputation and integrity, I cannot stand aloof to such unethical and un-ANC tendencies occurring under my leadership.”

Sources within the party suggest the disputes included contested delegate accreditation, accusations of vote manipulation and alleged interference from senior figures. Observers say these tensions are linked to an impending contest for the provincial chairmanship, where names such as Premier Phophi Ramathuba and Polokwane Mayor John Mpe have been tipped as potential successors.

Mathabatha has made clear that his move is principled rather than personal. While he did not lay out every detail of the alleged misconduct, he insisted that stepping aside was necessary to protect his reputation and to allow the ANC in Limpopo to operate without his direct involvement.

He also offered to engage with the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and make himself available for further discussions or interviews, signalling a willingness to cooperate with any investigations into the contested regional processes.

The ANC in Limpopo has yet to formally verify the resignation letter. Provincial spokesperson Jimmy Machaka said the party would issue a comprehensive statement once the correspondence had been authenticated. Nonetheless, party insiders indicate that discussions are already under way about how best to manage the leadership vacuum and the potential fallout.

Mathabatha’s exit comes amid increased public scrutiny of local leadership. Allegations of irregular tender awards and favouritism surrounding some municipal figures have intensified concerns about governance and accountability within the ruling party in the province, although no formal charges have been laid against key individuals.

Nationally, the ANC continues to face challenges from corruption scandals, service delivery failures and factional infighting. Analysts argue that Mathabatha’s resignation may be an early indicator of deeper fault lines that the party must address ahead of the 2026 local government elections, particularly if provinces long considered ANC strongholds begin to show signs of instability.

For now, Limpopo’s ANC must navigate a period of uncertainty, restore internal cohesion and confront allegations that have eroded public confidence. Mathabatha’s decision draws attention to the urgent need for renewed commitment to ethical conduct and effective internal processes if the party is to maintain its standing in the province.