Mbalula's Limpopo Meeting: A Make-or-Break Moment for ANC's Peter Mokaba Region

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula.

Fikile Mbalula, the ANC Secretary-General, is set to meet with the ANC Provincial Executive Committee in Limpopo, led by Provincial Secretary Reuben Madadzhe and Thabang Makwetla, Convenor of Deployees, in a meeting that will determine the fate of the party's Peter Mokaba Region.

The meeting, scheduled for Wednesday at 11 am at the Frans Mohlala House ANC head office in Polokwane, aims to discuss organizational matters within the party. However, the real test for Mbalula will be whether he can resolve the deep-seated conflicts and allegations of irregularities surrounding the Peter Mokaba Region Conference.

The conference was marred by reports of widespread irregularities and disputes, with some delegates alleging that they were denied their rightful places at the conference. Others claimed that fake delegates were allowed to participate, while legitimate delegates were excluded. These allegations have sparked outrage among ANC members and supporters, who are demanding action to address the issue.

At the center of the controversy is the contest for leadership between Polokwane Mayor John Mpe and ANC Women's League Provincial Chairperson Mamedupi Teffo. The National Dispute Resolution Committee's report was allegedly disregarded, disqualifying 31 branches and leaving the conference with only 74 (65.5%) of the required quorum, instead of the necessary 79 (70%). This blatant disregard for the party's own rules and procedures has raised serious questions about the legitimacy of the conference and the leadership of the party.

Discontented ANC members and allies of Teffo have requested that the ANC Officials or NWC or NEC take immediate action to address the crisis. They demand that the party:

- Set aside all decisions and resolutions from the 10th Peter Mokaba Regional Conference

- Dissolve the elected REC elected at the conference

- Appoint a Conference Preparatory Committee to reconvene a Properly Constituted ANC Peter Mokaba Regional Conference within 30 days

The stakes are high, and the pressure is on Mbalula to deliver. If he fails to resolve these issues, he would have failed the ANC members who were marginalized during the Regional Conference. This would give more divisions within the ANC, which might lead some members to leave the party and join other parties to avoid being marginalized and bullied by those who cause problems during the conference. The ANC Veterans League in Limpopo has already warned and demanded justice for the marginalized, adding pressure on Mbalula to act decisively.

Later on the same day, Mbalula is expected to deliver the Peter Mokaba Lecture at Ngwako Ramatlhodi Sports in Seshego at 2 pm. However, ANC members believe that addressing the Peter Mokaba Region Conference problems is imperative, rendering the lecture a futile exercise if these issues aren't resolved. The members are demanding justice and a rerun of the conference, citing gross violations of the ANC constitution.

The meeting between Mbalula and the ANC Limpopo PEC is seen as a critical opportunity for the party's leadership to engage with provincial leaders and address pressing organizational matters. However, the outcome will be closely watched by party members and supporters, who are eager to see whether Mbalula can navigate these challenges and ensure the ANC's continued relevance and effectiveness.

The ANC's ability to address internal conflicts and controversies will be crucial in maintaining its image and credibility. With the meeting just around the corner, all eyes are on the party's leadership to see how they will respond to the needs of its members and supporters. Will Mbalula rise to the challenge and take decisive action to address the crisis, or will he falter and allow the party's internal wounds to fester?

In conclusion, Mbalula's meeting with the ANC Limpopo PEC is a make-or-break moment for the party's Peter Mokaba Region. If he fails to resolve the issues, it would be a significant blow to the party's credibility and image. However, if he succeeds, it would be a major step towards healing the party's internal wounds and ensuring its continued relevance and effectiveness. The eyes of the nation are on Mbalula, and it remains to be seen whether he will rise to the challenge and lead the party towards a brighter future.