BRANCHES THWART PLOT TO OUST MAKHURUPETJE AT LIMPOPO CONFERENCE

ANC Norman Mashabane Regional Secretary Sonia Maswanganyi.

The 11th ANC Limpopo Provincial Conference concluded its business over the weekend with a resounding victory for grassroots democracy.

 While the top leadership positions were settled through a unity slate, the battle for the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) additional members revealed deep-seated tensions and failed political maneuvers. The most dramatic of these was an unsuccessful plot to exclude the Speaker of the Limpopo Provincial Legislature, Dr. Makoma Makhurupetje, from the powerful 30-member body.

A Targeted Campaign

Sources from the conference, which wrapped up on Sunday in Polokwane, describe a spirited campaign aimed specifically at de-seating Makhurupetje. The architects of this plot were reportedly Norman Mashabane Regional Secretary Sonia Maswanganyi and Letaba Sub regional Convenor Rito Xhindhengezani.

According to insiders, the duo worked tirelessly to ensure Makhurupetje did not find a place in the new PEC. Their strategy involved the circulation of a specific lobby list among delegates from the Norman Mashabane region. This list was intentionally designed to exclude Makhurupetje, serving as a safeguard against her emerging as a member of the provincial leadership.

In place of seasoned leaders like the Speaker, the secretaries were reportedly rooting for the regional spokesperson, Peter Hasani Ngobeni.

However, this move faced stiff resistance from the floor. Many delegates and ordinary members have long accused Ngobeni of being aloof and treating the rank and file with disdain, making his inclusion on the regional “preferred list” a point of major contention.

Senior Leadership Intervention

Despite the high-level pressure from the regional secretariat, the plot hit a significant roadblock. Senior leaders within the Norman Mashabane region, observing the potential for a disastrous split, stepped in to defend the integrity of the process. These veterans took a stand against the targeted exclusion, viewing it as a move that undermined the very unity the conference was meant to foster.

These senior figures encouraged their fellow representatives to ignore the instructions coming from the regional office. They urged delegates to vote according to their conscience and the long-term stability of the movement rather than following a list designed to settle personal or sub regional scores.

This internal resistance proved decisive. By the time the final tallies were announced, it was clear that the attempt to sideline the Speaker had backfired. Dr. Makoma Makhurupetje emerged in a secure 11th position on the list of additional members, a result that left many at Norman Mashabane House with egg-splattered faces.

The Rise of the “Unwanted”

The irony of the weekend was not lost on the delegates. The PEC additional members list was actually topped by another leader who had been characterized as unwanted by certain regional factions. Former Deputy Provincial Secretary Basikopo Makamu took the number one spot, signaling a strong return for the veteran leader despite efforts to diminish his influence.

The success of both Makamu and Makhurupetje serves as a reminder of the superiority of the branches. While regional secretaries and convenors attempted to curate the outcome, the democratic structures of the ANC in Limpopo chose a different path. The branches effectively signaled that they would not be bullied into wishing away experienced leaders.

Winners and Losers: Regional Hauls

The outcome of the PEC elections also highlighted a massive shift in regional influence. The Peter Mokaba Region emerged as the undisputed heavyweight of the conference, securing a massive 10-seat haul in the PEC. This success was attributed to a culture of open support and unity, even among comrades who have historically differed.

On the other hand, the Sekhukhune Region became the biggest loser of the weekend, securing only two PEC seats. This outcome was widely interpreted as a punishment by branches for reckless statements by regional leadership that undermined branch authority. For many in the hall, this was a clear wake-up call for reflection.

Conclusion

The 11th Provincial Conference has shown that while unity slates can provide stability at the top, the heart of the ANC remains with its branches. The failed plot against Dr. Makhurupetje and the rise of the Peter Mokaba region demonstrate a province in the midst of a democratic renewal. For those who sought to use lists and exclusions to manage the outcome, the message from the floor was clear: the branches are in charge.

ANC Greater Letaba Sub regional Convenor Rito Xhindhengezani.

ANC Norman Mashabane regional spokesperson, Peter Hasani Ngobeni.