The upcoming ANC Limpopo elective conference is facing controversy as its two leading candidates, Premier Phophi Ramathuba and Polokwane Mayor John Mpe, are embroiled in serious allegations.
Premier Ramathuba, along with MEC Basikopo Makamu, is accused of corruption and fraud involving multi-million rand contracts at the troubled Mogalakwena municipality. The allegations claim they manipulated the awarding of tenders to benefit close associates. Both Ramathuba and municipal manager Morris Maluleka have strongly denied these claims, attributing them to fake social media accounts and cyberbullying. Mogalakwena Mayor Ngoako Taueatsoala has called the allegations malicious.
The ANC provincial leadership has declined to investigate, with spokesperson Jimmy Machaka stating the party will not address “faceless” allegations without formal evidence.
Meanwhile, Mayor Mpe faces separate accusations of favoring foreign nationals over local contractors in Polokwane municipality appointments. These claims remain unproven in court. The ANC in the Peter Mokaba region has expressed full support for Mpe, maintaining his innocence without proof.
The ANC Women’s League has publicly endorsed Ramathuba for provincial chairperson, while other regional figures back Mpe to replace outgoing chair Stan Mathabatha.
With the conference approaching, questions remain about whether either candidate will proceed uncontested or if a compromise candidate will emerge to ensure a stable leadership transition.