Tshitereke Matibe, the Limpopo MEC for Tourism, Environment, and Economic Development, has been re-elected as ANC chairman in the volatile Vhembe region, overcoming fierce internal resistance and legal challenges to secure his position.
The 9th ANC Vhembe elective conference, held at Kalahari Waterfront in Thohoyandou, saw Matibe retain his leadership role despite pre-conference turmoil. Disgruntled members had attempted to derail the proceedings through two urgent court applications, demanding the suspension of the conference over alleged credential irregularities. However, their efforts collapsed when Judge Thogomelani Tshidada struck the cases off the roll, citing procedural failures in serving key ANC officials, including Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula.
A Fractured Path to Re-election
The conference unfolded under a cloud of dissent, with some branches accusing the provincial leadership of sidelining opposition voices. ANC Limpopo spokesperson Jimmy Machaka, however, hailed the court’s decision as vindication. “The judiciary confirmed there were no irregularities, allowing delegates to democratically elect their leadership,” Machaka stated.
Mbalula issued a stern rebuke to members resorting to litigation, declaring, “The ANC cannot be held hostage by those who run to courts whenever they lose. That’s not democracy—it’s anarchy.” His remarks underscored growing frustration within the party over factional legal battles disrupting organizational processes.
Consolidating Control
The ANC’s national leadership deployed senior organizer Mdu Manana to oversee logistics, working alongside Limpopo Provincial Secretary Reuben Madadza to ensure a smooth credentialing process. Matibe’s victory solidifies his faction’s dominance, with his allied leadership slate sweeping key positions:
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Deputy Chairperson: Mfiyeni Chauke
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Secretary: Matodzi Ralushai
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Treasurer: Dorcus Mboyi
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Deputy Secretary: Fistos Mafela (Maemu)
What’s Next for Vhembe?
Matibe’s re-election signals continuity in a region critical to the ANC’s electoral fortunes. However, the lingering discontent among branches suggests unresolved tensions that could resurface ahead of 2024’s national polls. Observers warn that without genuine reconciliation, the party risks further erosion of unity in one of Limpopo’s most politically significant regions.
As the ANC seeks to stabilize its structures, the Vhembe outcome serves as both a triumph for the incumbent leadership and a cautionary tale of the party’s persistent internal fractures.
