The current ANC Mopani regional chairperson and Mopani District Executive Mayor, Pule Shayi speaking to RGC delegates at the weekend.
ANC NEC member David Mahlobo addressing the Norman Mashabane Regional General Council delegates on behalf of the National Executive Committee. Revolution
The ANC Limpopo Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) has announced the postponement of four crucial regional conferences before the end of December 2024.
The affected regions include Norman Mashabane (Mopani), Peter Mokaba (Capricorn) Vhembe, and Sekhukhune. The PEC, having acknowledged that these Regional Executive Committees (RECs) are due for their respective conferences, reviewed the roadmaps submitted by three of the regions and expressed satisfaction with their readiness. However, the PEC made the decision to temporarily put these roadmaps on hold due to ongoing challenges with the party’s membership portal. This delay reflects the importance of ensuring the integrity of the membership processes before convening the much-anticipated regional conferences.
The PEC’s resolution underscores the need for transparency and the smooth functioning of the ANC’s membership system. The challenges with the membership portal have raised concerns about the accuracy of member registrations, eligibility, and the overall legitimacy of any conference outcomes. In line with this, the PEC believes it is critical to address these issues before proceeding with the democratic processes within the regions.
The postponement particularly affects the Norman Mashabane regional conference, where political tensions are running high. The region, which encompasses Greater Letaba, Tzaneen, Maruleng, Giyani and Ba-Phalaborwa, is witnessing an intense contestation between two slates. The current regional chairperson and Mopani District Executive Mayor, Pule Shayi, is pitted against the regional secretary, Goodman Mtileni, in a highly charged leadership race. This rivalry has led to an escalating power struggle, with both sides vigorously campaigning to win the coveted leadership position of the Norman Mashabane region.
The battle between Shayi and Mtileni has captured the attention of local political pundits and party members alike. Pundits predict that Shayi, who enjoys the support of a significant section of the region, might edge out his rival by a narrow margin. However, Mtileni’s camp is just as determined, making the contest too close to call with any certainty.
The competition between these two prominent figures reached a fever pitch during a Special General Regional Council meeting held on Sunday in Giyani. The council was convened to report back on key national issues, including the Government of National Unity (GNU) and the outcomes of the recent ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) Lekgotla. The report was delivered by ANC NEC member David Mahlobo, who was accompanied by Limpopo Deputy Provincial Secretary, Basikopo Makamu, and Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) member for Norman Mashabane, Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya.
The atmosphere at the meeting was electric, with members from both factions passionately singing and chanting slogans in support of their respective candidates. The council, originally meant to focus on national and provincial matters, turned into a show of strength between the two factions vying for dominance in the Norman Mashabane region. The energy in the room reflected the deep divisions within the region, as party members on both sides made it clear that they were fully committed to their leaders.
Despite the enthusiasm and tension displayed during the council, the PEC’s decision to put the regional roadmaps on hold means that the much-anticipated regional conference will not take place as originally planned. This postponement, while frustrating for many party members eager for resolution, is seen as a necessary step to ensure that all processes leading up to the conference are fair, transparent, and in line with ANC procedures.
For the Norman Mashabane region, in particular, the delay may offer some breathing room for both camps to regroup and strategise. However, it also prolongs the uncertainty and heightens the stakes for what is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched regional conferences in Limpopo.
As the membership portal challenges are addressed, the ANC Limpopo PEC will likely announce new timelines for the conferences. Until then, the political climate in the Norman Mashabane region remains volatile, with both the Shayi and Mtileni camps continuing their grassroots campaigns to secure the support needed to emerge victorious when the conference is eventually held.
The postponement of the regional conferences, though necessary, may intensify the political manoeuvring within the ANC’s Limpopo structures, particularly in the Norman Mashabane region. For now, party members and observers will have to wait to see how this intense rivalry unfolds in the coming months.