ANC Limpopo Conference Gets Green Light as Court Dismisses Interdict

The unity slate facing challenges ahead of the much anticipated elective Limpopo ANC's 11th Provincial Conference.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief, The Azanian

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The Limpopo ANC's 11th Provincial Conference is set to proceed, after the Polokwane High Court dismissed an urgent interdict application seeking to halt the event today, Friday, March 27, 2026.

The conference, scheduled to run from today until Sunday, is expected to be a crucial moment for the party, with elections for top leadership positions set to take place.

The proposed unity slate, led by Dr Phophi Ramathuba as Provincial Chairperson, John Mpe as Deputy Provincial Chairperson, Ruben Madadzhe as Provincial Secretary, Pule Shayi as Deputy Secretary, and Eddie Maila as Provincial Treasurer, is facing stiff opposition from rival factions, including Florence Radzilani, Basikopo Makamu, and the "Alliance of the Wounded".

The party's internal divisions have been laid bare, with allegations of tribalism and marginalization coming to the fore. Critics argue that the slate's composition, with two Venda-speaking individuals, Dr Phophi Ramathuba and Ruben Madadzhe, vying for top positions, raises concerns about tribal representation. The Mopani Region has been accused of tribalism, with some members claiming that the region is being dominated by one ethnic group.

The ANC's provincial secretary, Reuben Madadzhe, has confirmed that the party is prepared to move forward with the conference, despite the challenges. The outcome of the conference will have significant implications for the party's future in Limpopo and beyond.

The Vhembe Region is divided, while the Peter Mokaba Region, led by John Mpe, has overcome its challenges and is now intact. The Waterberg and Mopani regions are still grappling with internal divisions.

The ANC's internal divisions are a recipe for disaster, allowing opposition parties to capitalize on the party's self-destruction. The upcoming local elections will be a significant test for the ANC, and a divided party will struggle to win votes. The public is watching, and the ANC's fate hangs in the balance.

The conference's outcome is far from certain, with multiple slates vying for dominance. The party's decline in Limpopo mirrors its national decline, a stark reminder of the need for unity. The ANC must put its house in order and prioritize the needs of the people over personal interests.

The conference will gather 1,500 delegates under a massive dome structure, with the theme focusing on renewal and a decisive victory. The province is racing against a strict month-end deadline set by the National Executive Committee. With the stakes high and the contenders ready, the Limpopo ANC is set for a crucial moment in its history.