“TALA MATHOPE: THE UNIFIER — ‘NO STONES, ONLY UNITY’ AS ANC LIMPOPO PREPS FOR BATTLE ROYALE”

ANC Sekhukhune Region Secretary consumate leader Tala Mathope...calls for unity.

By Mpho Dube — Editor-in-Chief, The Azanian_

Truth. Fearless. Unfiltered.

Johannesburg — In a voice that cut through the noise of factionalism and power plays, ANC Sekhukhune Region Secretary Tala Mathope delivered a message that felt like a cold splash of reality: unity isn’t optional, it’s survival.

Speaking ahead of the Limpopo Provincial Conference, Mathope didn’t just rally his troops — he warned them. “Throwing stones at each other won’t win us the next election — it’ll cost us our municipalities.”

With Limpopo delivering a staggering 74% voter turnout in the last local elections, Mathope knows the stakes are high. “If you’re sitting at the top table but lost control of your towns, wards, people — what good is the title?” he asked, his words hanging heavy. His message was clear: power without performance is empty, unity without action is useless.

Mathope’s call for unity comes as the party faces a looming showdown between Dr Phophi Ramathuba and John Makoro Mpe. Sekhukhune, still undecided, holds the key. Mathope didn’t endorse either candidate — instead, he laid down the criteria: “Who can unite us? Who can deliver results? Who keeps the party together while we fight for the people?”

ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula praised Sekhukhune’s disciplined approach, saying it’s a model for the party. Mathope’s leadership is seen as crucial in shaping the ANC’s direction and addressing community needs.

As the conference approaches, Mathope’s words echo: “In Limpopo, where the sun rises over mountains and people still believe in the struggle — unity isn’t a slogan. It’s the only weapon that matters.”