Stanley Mathabatha Quits as Limpopo ANC Chair, Slams “Un-ANC” Conduct

A Sudden but Telling Exit

In a move that has sent ripples through Limpopo politics, former Premier Stanley Mathabatha has stepped down as ANC provincial chairperson, effective immediately. His resignation letter, addressed to ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula and dated September 1, painted a picture of deep unease with the state of the ruling party in his province.

Mathabatha cited “unethical conduct” and a breakdown of organisational integrity, particularly linked to the recent ANC conferences in the Vhembe and Waterberg regions, as reasons why he could no longer continue.

“I cannot stand aloof to such tendencies occurring under my leadership,” Mathabatha wrote, calling the developments “un-ANC” and against the party’s founding values.

Why the Vhembe and Waterberg Conferences Matter

For outsiders, the mention of regional conferences may sound procedural, but in ANC politics, these gatherings are critical. They decide local leadership, set the tone for policy, and influence the balance of power leading up to elections.

Recent conferences in Vhembe and Waterberg were marred by accusations of misconduct and political manoeuvringcontroversies that appear to have pushed Mathabatha to his breaking point. By stepping away, he signals not just frustration, but also a warning about deeper cracks within the provincial ANC.

Public Reaction: Frustration and Fatigue

On social media, reactions have been mixed. Some praised Mathabatha for taking a principled stand, saying his exit highlights the rot within the ANC. Others were more cynical, dismissing it as political theatre.

One Limpopo resident tweeted, “We don’t need resignations, we need accountability. Step down, yesbut also tell us who is corrupt.” Another wrote, “This is just proof that ANC has lost its moral compass. How many more leaders will leave before something changes?”

The mood in Polokwane, where Mathabatha built much of his political legacy, is one of disappointment. His departure comes as the province grapples with questions about ethical leadership ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

Trouble at the Top in Limpopo

Mathabatha’s resignation is not happening in isolation. Polokwane Mayor John Mpe is facing mounting scrutiny over allegations of irregular tender processes and accusations of extending political and economic favours to foreign nationals. While Mpe has not been formally charged, the allegations feed into a growing narrative of ethical decline in provincial governance.

For the ANC, these scandals are not just reputational headachesthey could cost votes. Limpopo has long been considered a stronghold, but voter trust is fragile, and opposition parties will likely seize on these cracks.

A Fresh Angle: The ANC’s Ethical Crossroads

What makes Mathabatha’s resignation stand out is the language he used. Words like “un-ANC” carry symbolic weight. The ANC has long prided itself on being a movement of values and liberation ethics. To hear a senior figure describe its conduct as straying from that DNA is both damning and sobering.

In some ways, Mathabatha’s departure is less about him and more about the ANC’s internal identity crisis. As South Africa heads towards 2026, the party must reckon with whether it still embodies the principles that once gave it legitimacyor if it has become a hollowed-out version of itself.

What Comes Next?

For now, Mathabatha says he will remain available for discussions with the ANC’s national leadership, but he insists his departure is final. The real question is whether his resignation sparks reform or becomes just another headline in a party increasingly defined by scandal and disillusionment.

Mathabatha’s exit is more than a political resignation, it’s a mirror held up to a party at risk of losing its moral authority.

{Source: IOL}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com