UNITY SLATE TRUMPS OPPOSITION: ANC LIMPOPO CONFERENCE ELECTS NEW LEADERSHIP

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

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

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The Unity Slate has emerged victorious at the ANC Limpopo Provincial Conference, securing key leadership positions despite fierce opposition and attempts to derail the process.

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

The victory comes after rival factions, including the "Alliance of the Wounded", attempted to halt the conference through frivolous court interdicts, which were dismissed by the Polokwane High Court.

The Unity Slate, orchestrated by Tala Mathope, ANC Sekhukhune Regional Secretary, had been pushing for a united front to take the party into the 2026 local elections.

The conference was marked by allegations of tribalism and marginalization, with critics arguing that the Unity Slate's composition raised concerns about tribal representation.

However, the slate's victory signals a shift towards unity and collective progress, with the party's leadership emphasizing the importance of putting the needs of the people above personal interests.

The outcome of the conference is seen as a significant boost for the ANC in Limpopo, with the party looking to maintain its stronghold in the province ahead of the local elections. The Unity Slate's victory is also seen as a testament to the party's commitment to democracy and the rule of law, despite attempts to undermine the process.

As Comrade Nelson Mandela said, "The ANC is a broad church, and there is room for all of us." The Unity Slate's victory is a step towards healing the party's internal divisions and moving forward united.