The African National Congress (ANC) has summoned Limpopo provincial chairperson Stanley Mathabatha to its headquarters at Luthuli House in Johannesburg to account for his decision to step aside and to clarify his concerns about what he described as the erosion of the party’s values.
ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula has called a meeting with Mathabatha to discuss the matter, which will be followed by talks with the Limpopo provincial leadership on Thursday.
Mathabatha’s move comes after he submitted a letter dated 1 September, in which he raised alarm over unethical practices and a breakdown of organisational integrity within the party. He pointed in particular to irregularities during the recent regional conferences in Vhembe and Waterberg.
The ANC has acknowledged receiving Mathabatha’s letter, but expressed displeasure that the correspondence first appeared on social media rather than being communicated through internal channels. The party stressed the importance of following proper organisational procedures and maintaining discipline as outlined in its constitution.
Mathabatha’s concerns echo long-standing frustrations among members who argue that the ANC has strayed from its founding principles and is increasingly viewed as synonymous with corruption, opportunism and poor service delivery.
Internal criticism has been mounting. Over the weekend, NEC member Bathabile Dlamini urged leaders at the Waterberg regional elective conference to focus on renewal and rebuilding instead of power struggles, warning that failure to do so could see the party perform below 30 percent in the 2026 local government elections.
In July, ANC Youth League president Collen Malatji also delivered a harsh assessment of the party’s standing, saying the ANC’s reputation had become so damaged that many citizens no longer trusted its promises or viewed it as capable of delivering on commitments.
The latest developments highlight deepening internal divisions and growing pressure on the party to restore credibility as it prepares for the next round of elections.
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