Stanley Mathabatha Steps Down From ANC Limpopo Chairperson Post, SA Shares Mixed Reactions
- Stanley Mathabatha has notified Fikile Mbalula that he is stepping aside as Chairperson of the African National Congress (ANC) in Limpopo
- The Deputy Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development cited allegations of misconduct in the province and incidents that go against ANC values
- South Africans weighed in on the 68-year-old's letter, with some suggesting that he was stepping aside so that others in the party could loot
- ANC Limpopo Spokesperson, Jimmy Machaka, confirmed to Briefly News that the party would be addressing the issue of the letter
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
LIMPOPO – Stanley Mathabatha wants out of his post as Chairperson of the African National Congress (ANC) in Limpopo.
The Deputy Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development submitted a letter to ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, stating that he was stepping aside with immediate effect.
The letter, which has since been shared online, was reportedly shared in the party’s provincial officials WhatsApp group.
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Why does Mathabatha want to step aside?
In the letter dated 1 September, addressed to Mbalula, Mathabatha announced that he was stepping aside with immediate effect.
He stated that he witnessed misconduct and incidents that went against the party’s values, particularly within certain regions.
“This decision is motivated by the concerning misconduct and lack of ANC values that I have observed within the organisation in the province, particularly in relation to the processes towards and conduct within the conference of the Vhembe and Waterberg regions,” the letter said.
Mathabatha hasn't always had the support of members, as he was allegedly attacked by members of the ANC in 2023. The attack was criticised by Julius Malema.
You can view the letter below.
Mathabatha wants to uphold his reputation
The 68-year-old explained that he was making this decision to uphold his reputation and integrity. He added that he would be available to discuss the matters with the party’s national office bearers.
There have been questions raised about the authenticity of the letter, and Briefly News contacted ANC Limpopo Spokesperson, Jimmy Machaka, regarding this. He confirmed that the ANC in the province would be releasing a statement on 2 September about the issue.
Source: Getty Images
How did South Africans react?
Social media users weighed in on the letter, sharing mixed reactions to the news. Some suggested that he was stepping aside to allow others to loot, while others speculated that he was going to join another party.
Bezile Langa stated:
“Cut your piece of cake and step aside for others to cut too. That is the ANC principle.”
Xolisa Bobe said:
“The MKP is calling his name.”
Haji Mulemba Sena Thovhakale suggested:
“He was advised to give others a chance to loot🤣.”
Zondo Soweto added:
“After looting too much, he thinks he has enough now.”
Alan J Gale asked:
“When a ship starts sinking, isn't the captain of the ship supposed to go down with it?”
Oshkosh Sicwetsha stated:
“Probably going to Zupta Party.”
Thabo Elton III said:
“MKP material. Let him go.”
Kgomotso Martin joked:
“What a noble guy. He is giving others a chance to loot.”
Evra Motebejane said:
“He did the right thing. How can you be a chairperson of people who are always fighting amongst themselves?”
@Tom47096338 stated:
“He’s the first person in the history of the ANC to step aside voluntarily.”
@kingmoss0 said:
“Every past and present ANC leader laments how the party has lost its way, except Fikile Mbalula and Cyril Ramaphosa. That tells you everything about who sold out the revolution.”
Mathabatha encourages voters to support Cyril Ramaphosa
Briefly News reported that in 2021 that Mathabatha expressed his staunch support for President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Mathabatha urged African National Congress supporters to respect and support Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa was losing favour in the area due to the Radical Economic Transformation (RET) faction.
Cyril Ramaphosa’s Nigerian billionaire lookalike spotted draped in designer on plane
Meanwhile, a video on Facebook showed a man who could pass as Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa's current president. The man was actually a Nigerian business mogul living his best life, and the video of him relaxing became a viral hit.
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Source: Briefly News
