“Sekhukhune’s Tala Mathope: ‘No Stones, Only Unity’ — ANC Must Lock Arms Before Conference Or Lose Municipalities”

ANC Sekhukhune Region Secretary Tala Mathope.

By Mpho Dube | Editor‑in‑Chief, The Azanian

25 December 2025 — Johannesburg

In a blunt, no-nonsense address that felt more like a pep talk from a battle-weary comrade than a political speech, ANC Sekhukhune Region Secretary Tala Mathope warned his fellow party members: “Throwing stones at each other won’t win us the next election — it’ll cost us our municipalities.”

Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated ANC Limpopo Provincial Conference, Mathope — a veteran organizer known for his straight talk — told a gathering of regional leaders, chairpersons, and grassroots volunteers that unity isn’t optional — it’s survival.

“We can have an uncontested provincial conference,” he said, voice firm but laced with urgency. “But only if we stop acting like rivals and start acting like comrades. The ANC nationally relies on us — Limpopo. If we go into that conference divided, we’re going to lose many municipalities. And nobody wins when the people lose faith.”

Limpopo isn’t just another province. In the last local elections, it delivered a staggering 74% voter turnout — the highest of all nine provinces. That’s not luck. That’s organization, trust, and unity at the grassroots. But Mathope knows that kind of momentum can evaporate fast if internal squabbles take over.

“If you’re sitting at the top table of the Provincial Executive Committee but you’ve lost control of your own towns, your own wards, your own people — what good is the title?” he asked, letting the question hang heavy in the room.

His message was clear: Power without performance is empty. Unity without action is useless.

Mathope didn’t mince words when addressing the growing trend of infighting within the party.

“We must refrain from throwing stones at each other. We are all comrades. Volunteers. Soldiers in the same struggle. If you disagree with someone, talk to them. Not about them. Not behind their back. Face-to-face. Like brothers and sisters who want the same thing — a better Limpopo, a stronger ANC, a thriving South Africa.”

He reminded the crowd that the party’s strength lies in its ability to mobilize, not to fracture. And that starts at the regional level — where real work happens, where voters are engaged, where promises are kept or broken.

The looming showdown between Dr Phophi Ramathuba (current Limpopo Premier) and John Makoro Mpe (Peter Mokaba Regional Chairperson) is heating up — and Sekhukhune is still sitting on the fence.

Mathope didn’t endorse either candidate outright — but he made it clear what the criteria should be: “Who can unite us? Who can deliver results? Who can keep the party together while we fight for the people?”

“This conference must come out of consensus,” he insisted. “Not a vote split down the middle. Not a winner and a loser. A united front. We must lobby comrades towards that view — as we meet with regional chairpersons and secretaries — because if we go in divided, we come out weaker. And the opposition? They’re waiting for us to self-destruct.”

Waterberg Region already declared support for Dr Ramathuba, arguing continuity and experience are key. Capricorn Region backs Mpe, citing rotation and fresh leadership. Mopani, Vhembe, Sekhukhune still undecided — but Mathope’s speech may tip the scales toward unity over division.

Mathope urged each region to put aside personal ambition and ask: “Who serves the ANC best — not who serves me best.”

Tala Mathope isn’t just talking — he’s warning. And in a party that’s been bruised by factionalism, corruption scandals, and electoral setbacks, his voice cuts through the noise.

This isn’t about who gets the top job. It’s about whether the ANC in Limpopo will remain a force for change — or become another cautionary tale of internal decay.

As the conference approaches, let’s hope the comrades heed his call. Because in Limpopo — where the sun rises over the mountains and the people still believe in the struggle — unity isn’t a slogan. It’s the only weapon that matters.

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