Limpopo ANC divided over Tshitereke Matibe’s bid for 4th term as Vhembe chair

Limpopo ANC divided over Tshitereke Matibe’s bid for 4th term as Vhembe chair! The African National Congress (ANC) in Limpopo’s Vhembe region is divided over the potential re-election of MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Tshitereke Matibe, as regional chairperson for a fourth term.

Matibe, who has been at the helm of the ANC in the Vhembe region for nearly a decade, enjoys strong backing from the ANC Youth League (ANCYL). However, some party members believe it is time for new leadership.

ANC Vhembe Region Prepares for Elective Conference

The ANC Vhembe region is set to hold its elective conference next month, where the fate of Matibe’s leadership will be determined.

Speaking about the preparations, ANC Vhembe spokesperson Gumani Mukwevho confirmed that the party is finalizing details.

“We have a meeting this week where we will discuss all the nitty-gritty details of the conference, including the venue and actual date,” Mukwevho said.

Matibe, as the current ANC regional chair, has been in office for three terms and is now being considered for a fourth term.

Historical Context: Leaders Seeking Third or Fourth Terms in the ANC

Matibe’s bid for another term is not unprecedented in the ANC.

In 2007, former President Thabo Mbeki campaigned for a third term as ANC leader, but he was defeated by Jacob Zuma at the party’s national elective conference in Polokwane.

Meanwhile, in Limpopo, former premier Stanley Mathabatha successfully won the ANC Limpopo chairmanship for three consecutive terms.

During the 2022 ANC Limpopo provincial elective conference, Mathabatha defeated Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Deputy Minister Dickson Masemola to retain his position.

Matibe’s situation, however, is different, as he is attempting to secure a fourth term, which has sparked controversy.

Support from the ANC Youth League

At the ANC Youth League’s regional elective conference in December, Matibe received the endorsement of the ANCYL.

ANCYL regional spokesperson Mbhoni Manganyi reaffirmed the league’s support for Matibe’s leadership.

“The youth of the Vhembe region have vowed to support Matibe’s election as chair. The league believes the future looks green under his leadership,” said Manganyi.

The ANCYL’s backing strengthens Matibe’s campaign, as youth structures often play a key role in mobilizing votes within ANC conferences.

Calls for New Leadership

Despite his popularity among youth league members, some ANC members are opposing Matibe’s fourth-term bid, arguing that the region needs fresh leadership.

Raymond Hlungwane, a member of the Happy Joyce Mashamba ANC branch in the Collins Chabane Municipality, voiced his opposition to Matibe’s continued leadership.

“It is time he handed the baton to the new generation who think on their feet. I support Simon Mavikane, a young blood who has led the Youth League with distinction,” said Hlungwane.

Mavikane, a former ANCYL leader, has gained support among those advocating for generational change within the ANC, making him a strong contender.

Matibe’s Popularity and Presence on Candidate Slates

While Matibe was unavailable for comment, sources within the ANC confirm that his name appears on two of the three slates as the preferred candidate for ANC Vhembe regional chair.

This suggests that while there is resistance to his continued leadership, he still holds significant support within the party.

What Lies Ahead?

As the Vhembe ANC elective conference approaches, the division within the party will likely intensify.

Matibe’s decade-long leadership has earned him both loyalty and opposition, and his bid for a fourth term raises key questions about leadership renewal versus continuity in the ANC.

With ANC members split between experience and fresh leadership, the elective conference will determine the direction the Vhembe region takes moving forward.

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