Limpopo ANC Sets Stage for Unity Test: 74% Majority Vote Puts Province in Spotlight

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

Truth. Fearless. Unfiltered.

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

Truth. Fearless. Unfiltered.

In a crucial moment of pre-conference negotiations, the African National Congress (ANC) in Limpopo is laying the groundwork for a unified approach ahead of the upcoming local elections.

Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba is likely to lead the team as Provincial Chairperson, with Peter Mokaba Region Chairperson and Polokwane Municipality Executive Mayor John Mpe as her deputy. Ruben Madadzhe is expected to remain as Provincial Secretary, while Mopani Region Chairperson and Mopani District Municipality Execuive Mayor Pule Shayi could serve as Deputy Secretary. Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality Mayor and Sekhukhune Region Deputy Secretary Eddie Maila is in the mix for Provincial Treasurer.

But unity remains a tall order, as internal divisions and lack of trust among party leaders and supporters continue to threaten the ANC's grip on power.

The party's decline from over 80% to 74% in Limpopo mirrors its national decline to 40%, a stark reminder of the challenges ahead.

The conference will be a true test of whether the party can put aside its differences and present a united front. With nominations from the floor expected, the outcome is far from certain.

The ANC's decision to hold an early conference underscores its desire to enter the local elections united. As one stakeholder put it, "These talks are about getting our house in order, so we can deliver for the people."

The 11th Provincial Conference, scheduled for March 27-29, 2026, at the Pietersburg Cricket Club, will bring together 1,170 voting delegates from 529 qualified branches, representing regions including Vhembe, Norman Mashabane, Peter Mokaba, Sekhukhune, and Waterberg.

The theme is "Advancing ANC Renewal Agenda for Decisive Victory and Accelerating the National Democratic Revolution Trajectory". Pre-registration for delegates is underway, with specific dates allocated to each region:

- Waterberg and Peter Mokaba Regions: 20 March 2026

- Vhembe and Norman Mashabane Regions: 22 March 2026

- Sekhukhune Region: 23 March 2026

Accreditation tags will be issued on 27 March 2026 at New Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The conference is expected to be a pivotal moment for the party, with the election of top officials and the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) set to shape Limpopo's direction for the next five years.

Will Limpopo's strong majority vote translate to a united front, or will internal divisions threaten the party's grip on power? The outcome of this conference will be closely watched, as it may set the tone for the party's performance in the upcoming local elections.

As Nelson Mandela once said, "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." The Limpopo ANC's ability to rise above its challenges will be put to the test.

Unity Slate...The conference will be a true test of whether the party can put aside its differences and present a united front. With nominations from the floor expected, the outcome is far from certain.