By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GalloImages.
The African National Congress (ANC) in Limpopo has noted a letter making rounds on social media regarding its chairperson Stan Mathabatha and has directed the matter to the national office.
In a letter to the secretary general Fikile Mbalula, Mathabatha pointed to controversies in the Vhembe and Waterberg regions, where allegations of vote rigging and interference by national leaders have surfaced.
“I would like to formally inform the national executive committee of my decision to step aside as the chairperson of the ANC in Limpopo, effective immediately,” Mathabatha said in his letter dated September 1.
“This decision is motivated by the concerning misconduct and lack of ANC values I have observed within the organisation in the province, particularly in relation to the processes towards and conduct within the conferences of the Vhembe and Waterberg regions.”
These disputes are tied to the succession battle between Limpopo premier Phophi Ramathuba and Peter Mokaba regional chair John Mpe.
I always stand available to deliberate these issues further with the National Office Bearers of the ANC at their convenience and make myself available for any interviews.
“Until then, I will step aside to allow the organisation to function without my involvement,” said Mathabatha.
His letter puts pressure on the National Executive Committee (NEC) to confront the allegations of vote manipulation and its controversial role in overseeing the provincial conferences.
However Fullview learnt the disputes were lodged, the ANC National Working Committee (NWC) resolved to send a team to the province to investigate the veracity of the allegations made by those who took the party to court.
ANC Limpopo Spokesperson, Jimmy Machaka, says that the provincial structure had seen a copy of the letter and has been directed it to the national office, which will advise the province accordingly.
“On matters of conferences, the ANC Limpopo is awaiting a decision by the National Executive Committee as the investigating team has concluded its work; we shall await such outcomes,” Machaka said.
“As for the Waterberg regional conference, the conference is at its final leg. The provincial executive committee shall await a report from its deployees and we shall discuss any matter arising from the deployees’ report, however, so far, the conference will conclude its business on Tuesday.”
Fullview understands Mbalula has since summoned Mathabatha to Luthuli House to explain his decision to step aside.
Meanwhile former ANC Member of Parliament Boy Mamabolo has terminated his party membership with immediate effect.
“I terminated my membership precisely because the ANC has been turned into a pig that is eating its own children,” he said.
Mamabolo said he will continue to try to register his own political party, Mandela For President (MFP).
His first attempt to register the party with the IEC was rejected due to several violations, including the possibility that voters may interpret the name “Mandela For President” as connected to former president Nelson Mandela.