ANC Sekhukhune Region in Turmoil as Former Senior Official Accused of Power Play

ANC Sekhukhune Regional Secretary Tala Mathope, affectionately known as Nehemiah, had been pushing for a united front to take the party into the 2026 local elections. His efforts paid off, as the Unity Slate secured key leadership positions at the ANC Limpopo Provincial Conference, paving the way for a new era of unity and progress in the ANC in Limpopo. Tala's nickname, Nehemiah, which means "divine bravery" in Hebrew, is a fitting description of his fearless approach to leadership.

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

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A shocking power struggle has rocked the ANC Sekhukhune Region, with a former senior official accused of orchestrating a sabotage that left the region with only two PEC additionals.

The move has sparked outrage, with ANC members crying foul and questioning the party's commitment to unity and collective leadership.

"An evil man will burn his own nation to the ground to rule over the ashes," said ANC members, condemning the former leader's actions. The official is reportedly gunning for Tala Mathope, the ANC Sekhukhune Regional Secretary, who led the unity slate and played a key role in the party's recent successes.

Mathope, affectionately known as Nehemiah, had been pushing for a united front to take the party into the 2026 local elections. His efforts paid off, as the Unity Slate secured key leadership positions at the ANC Limpopo Provincial Conference, paving the way for a new era of unity and progress in the ANC in Limpopo.

Tala's nickname, Nehemiah, which means "divine bravery" in Hebrew, is a fitting description of his fearless approach to leadership.

The conference, which took place from March 27-29, 2026, saw the election of Dr Phophi Ramathuba as Provincial Chairperson, John Mpe as Deputy Provincial Chairperson, Ruben Madadzhe as Provincial Secretary, Pule Shai as Deputy Secretary, and Eddie Maila as Provincial Treasurer.

As one wise soul put it, "Be careful who you let on your ship, because some people will sink the whole ship just because they can't be the captain."

"A defective leader can burn down his own organisation to rule over ashes, driven by the 'it's me or nothing' syndrome."

But supporters of Mathope are fighting back, saying "hands off" to those seeking to undermine his leadership. They see him as a beacon of hope, a leader who has brought stability and unity to the region.

It appears the former official is ruling from the grave, using allies to undermine Mathope's leadership and disrupt the party's progress. But one thing is clear: the ANC Regional Secretary in Sekhukhune is equal to the task and has proved to many that he is not selfish. He fought very hard to ensure unity in the province, and his leadership is a testament to the party's values.

The ANC must address the allegations and uphold its principles of unity, accountability, and democratic participation, ensuring that personal interests do not undermine the party's progress.

Tala's leadership and strategic thinking were instrumental in navigating the party through these challenges, ensuring that the conference proceeded smoothly and democratically.