ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu has warned party members to follow internal communication processes and protocols following the social media leak of Stan Mathabatha’s step-aside letter.
Gallo Images/Fani Mahuntsi.
The ANC has condemned the social media leak of Stan Mathabatha’s step-aside letter and urged adherence to internal protocols.Mathabatha,citing “unethical tendencies” in the organisation,decided to step aside as Limpopo chair on Monday.Discussions led by ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula are scheduled to address Mathabatha’s concerns this week.The ANC has expressed its dismay with how Limpopo chairperson Stan Mathabatha’s step-aside letter was circulated on social media on Monday night.
The party’s national spokesperson,Mahlengi Bhengu,confirmed that the ANC had received Mathabatha’s letter,however warned members to follow internal communication processes and protocols.
“ANC registers its dismay that this correspondence first surfaced on social media before internal party protocols were observed. We reiterate that proper organisational procedures must always be followed,and internal discipline respected,as guided by the constitution of the African National Congress,” she said.
On Tuesday,News24 reported that ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula had summoned Mathabatha to Luthuli House on Wednesday to explain his unexpected decision to step aside as Limpopo chair.
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This was after Mathabatha notified Mbalula in writing that he had decided to step aside with immediate effect,citing “unethical and un-ANC tendencies” related to conferences in the Vhembe and Waterberg regions as his primary motivation.
READ | Luthuli House summons Limpopo’s Stan Mathabatha to ‘explain’ his step-aside decisionMathabatha,who is also the deputy minister of land reform and rural development,wrote: “In order to uphold my reputation and integrity,I cannot stand aloof to such unethical and un-ANC tendencies occurring under my leadership. 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.”
Mathabatha would not comment on the letter.
Meanwhile,in a video from the Waterberg regional conference,the ANC’s second deputy secretary-general,Maropene Ramokgopa,was heard saying all processes and procedures were followed accordingly during the 10th Waterberg regional conference – contrary to Mathabatha’s claims.
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She was also heard saying that it was an event-free and successful conference.
READ | Eastern Cape ANC battles declining membership with 300 branches in crisisBhengu acknowledged Mathabatha’s letter,dated 1 September,in which he communicated his decision to step aside from his responsibilities.
“In his correspondence,comrade Mathabatha raised concerns about misconduct,the erosion of ANC values,and processes relating to conferences in the Vhembe and Waterberg regions,” she said.
“Following receipt of the letter,ANC secretary-general,comrade Fikile Mbalula,has convened a meeting with comrade Mathabatha to deliberate on the issues raised followed by a meeting with the Limpopo provincial leadership tomorrow,Thursday,the 4th of September 2025,to discuss issues raised by provincial chairperson.”
Bhengu said the ANC would communicate the outcomes of the engagement with the Limpopo provincial leadership to the public at an appropriate time.
Meanwhile on Tuesday,ANC Youth League provincial secretary Phineas Sebola called on the national leadership to reject Mathabatha’s decision.
“If Cde Mathabatha feels what he calls his integrity is too big for the ANC,he might as well pen a short resignation letter without causing drama. This must be accompanied with resignation from Parliament and his role as a deputy minister,” he said.
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