By Simon Nare
The ANC in Limpopo has rallied behind a unity slate ahead of its 11th provincial conference at the end of March, in what party insiders describe as a deliberate move to eliminate factionalism as it prepares for the 2026 Local Government Elections.
Despite the ANC securing 73% support in Limpopo during the 2024 national and provincial elections, several sources who spoke to Inside Politics on condition of anonymity said party leaders believe unity must be prioritised to reassure voters at a time when the organisation is facing declining support nationally.
According to sources, all five regions — Sekhukhune, Norman Mashabane, Vhembe, Peter Mokaba and Waterberg — have endorsed Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba to take over as provincial chairperson.
The ANC Women’s League in Limpopo has also welcomed growing unity within the provincial party structures.
Earlier this year, ANCWL provincial secretary Tebogo Mamorobela said the league was encouraged by regions rallying behind Ramathuba for election as provincial chairperson.
Mamorobela said the league supports calls for unity, cohesion and organisational renewal as the ANC prepares for its conference, where regions have collectively nominated candidates for the top five positions in the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC).
If endorsed by conference delegates, Ramathuba would become the first woman to lead the party in the province.
The proposed slate would see Ramathuba elected unopposed as chairperson, with Polokwane mayor John Mpe as deputy chairperson. Ruben Madadzhe is set to retain his position as provincial secretary, while Pule Shai would serve as deputy provincial secretary and Eddie Maile as provincial treasurer.
The biggest casualty of the unity arrangement appears to be former deputy provincial secretary Baiskopo Makamu, who has not secured a position on the slate.
Sources say he is unhappy with the development, particularly after Ramathuba reportedly shifted from his faction once she was assured of the chairperson position.
“He is very angry. Not pleased at all for being snubbed like that,” said one ANC member with intimate knowledge of internal discussions.
Some insiders claim the unity slate was engineered through intervention from Luthuli House, the ANC’s national headquarters.
However, Peter Ngobeni, speaking on behalf of the unity slate, dismissed suggestions of national interference, insisting the initiative originated in the Sekhukhune region.
Ngobeni said Sekhukhune first proposed an uncontested conference, with the Norman Mashabane region backing the idea before other regions came on board.
“We did not do well. We have got to avoid a situation where we go to a contested conference. ANC conferences are naturally divisive, and we do not have the luxury of further dividing the organisation,” Ngobeni said.
He described the move as a necessary intervention aimed at consolidating unity after the party’s disappointing national performance.
However, some regional delegates remain sceptical about the durability of the agreement.
They warn that Ramathuba may have taken a political risk by aligning with the unity slate, arguing that Mpe — who is believed to harbour ambitions to lead the province — could change course at the last minute.
“Ramathuba has taken a huge risk. Mpe can make an about-turn because he is popular and has the numbers. If that happens, what will become of her?” asked one regional leader sympathetic to the premier.
Ngobeni rejected these concerns, describing Mpe as a disciplined cadre committed to organisational unity.
The Limpopo Provincial Conference is expected to take place from 27 to 29 March 2026.
Among others, the provincial conference is expected to focus on reviewing the organisation’s performance and sharpening political strategies ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.
ANC headquarters in Limpopo. PHOTO: X/Supplied
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