- Limpopo ANCYL calls on Stan Mathabatha to resign fully, not halfway.
- The premier sent a resignation letter as ANC Limpopo Chair.
- Mathabatha cites factionalism and ill-discipline as reasons for stepping aside.
The ANC Youth League (ANCYL) in Limpopo has criticised provincial chairperson Stan Mathabatha for announcing that he intends to step down from his position, saying his approach lacks conviction.
The youth wing insists that if Mathabatha feels overwhelmed by challenges within the ANC, he should not only resign as provincial chair but also step aside from Parliament and his role as Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform.
The Controversial Letter
The criticism follows a leaked letter written by Mathabatha to ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, in which he expressed his intention to resign as Limpopo chairperson.
Mathabatha specifically mentioned previous regional conferences in Vhembe and Waterberg in his letter, which expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s factional behavior and lack of discipline among its members.
“I wish to inform the ANC leadership that I am stepping down as provincial chairperson. I do this because of various issues I have observed, including conduct that goes against the values of the organisation. I am willing to meet with leadership to discuss my decision. For now, I step aside so the organisation can function without me,” Mathabatha wrote.
ANCYL’s Harsh Response
Limpopo ANCYL provincial secretary Phineas Sebola said Mathabatha should resign fully if he feels the pressure is too much.
“If he believes the burden is heavy, he must also step down as Deputy Minister and as a Member of Parliament. The ANC has acknowledged its challenges and is working on renewal. Leaders cannot fold under pressure; they must help fix the problems,” Sebola argued.
National Context
National ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe recently acknowledged the party’s turbulent state, even jokingly telling congregants during a church visit that the ANC “needs prayer” as it battles internal divisions.
For now, the ANC has not officially responded to Mathabatha’s letter, leaving his future in both provincial and national structures uncertain.