ANC reject Stan Mathabatha’s step aside request

The ANC has rejected the request from its Limpopo chairperson, Stan Mathabatha, to step aside from his role with immediate effect.

Mathabatha has been chairperson of the ANC in the province since 2014. He served as Premier since 2013 and left the office at the 2024 general election, having reached the constitutional term limit.

ALSO READ: ANCYL Limpopo calls Stan Mathabatha dramatic, cowardice

But he shocked many in the political fraternity on Tuesday when he sent a letter to the national officials, intending to step aside.

In the letter, Mathabatha cited misconduct and rampant unethical behaviour that goes against the party’s values in relation to the conference of the Vhembe and Waterberg regions for his decision.

Mathabatha’s letter prompted an urgent meeting summoned by ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula on Wednesday.

ALSO READ: Stan Mathabatha steps down as ANC Limpopo Chairperson

In a statement issued on Friday afternoon, the ANC confirmed that the matter has been referred back to the province.

“The meeting, attended by NEC deployees to Limpopo, considered the contents of the Chairperson’s letter and held engagements with the Provincial leadership,” said ANC Spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu.

“The meeting resolved to reject the Provincial Chairperson’s step-aside intention. To refer the matter back to the province, allowing space for issues raised by the Provincial Chairperson to be addressed internally and for a resolution to be found.”

They also announced that the outcome of the provincial resolution will be communicated formally to national officials at a subsequent meeting.