The ANC’s Limpopo conference will go ahead this weekend after the Polokwane High Court dismissed a last-ditch legal attempt to stop it, clearing the path for a gathering already shadowed by internal tensions.
In a firm ruling, the court struck the urgent application off the roll, finding that the case, brought by Ward 10 member Basil Mabasa of Collins Chabane, lacked urgency.
The judgment effectively ended a legal standoff that had briefly stalled preparations and cast doubt over the conference’s legitimacy.
The conference is set to elect its new provincial leadership at a conference in Polokwane Cricket Club from March 27 to 29, 2026.
The names touted to become the new leadership in the province are: Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba for chairperson, Mayor John Mpe for deputy, Reuben Madadzhe for secretary, Pule Shai for deputy secretary and Eddie Maila for Treasurer.
With the legal hurdle removed, party officials moved swiftly to reset the narrative. Provincial secretary Reuben Madadzhe said the focus now shifts entirely to execution.
“The matter is behind us. Our responsibility is to ensure the conference proceeds smoothly and within the rules,” he told reporters.
The conference, initially positioned as a platform to project unity, now unfolds against a backdrop of persistent factional friction.
Disputes over branch credentials and regional processes have simmered for months, threatening to undermine cohesion in one of the ANC’s key provinces.
This is familiar terrain for the party. In August 2025, a similar court challenge aimed at derailing the Waterberg regional conference was dismissed with costs, allowing proceedings to continue uninterrupted.
Despite the legal clearance, political fault lines remain visible.
Meanwhile, the ANC in the Eastern Cape is still in court fighting the same battle.
IOL Politics
Kamogelo Moichela
iol.co.za
