After at least four delays, Limpopo ANC says it's ready for regional conferences

JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress (ANC) in Limpopo says it’s now good to go with its regional conferences after putting at least four on ice.

The province is waiting for secretary-general Fikile Mbalula for the green light.

Four key regions, which played some part in the rise of current ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa, are set to elect new leaders in the coming months.

Norman Mashabane, Vhembe, Sekhukhune and the Peter Mokaba regions have all submitted their roadmaps to the provincial structure but had to wait for membership portal challenges to be resolved.

Provincial secretary, Reuben Madadzhe, told Eyewitness News those issues had been resolved.

As four of Limpopo’s five regions await a signal from Mbalula to hold their respective regional conferences, Eyewitness News understands that lobby groups are already thinking about the next provincial conference.

Limpopo is only due to elect new leadership in 2026.

However, the outcomes of the upcoming regional conferences are expected to play a key role in shaping the path towards who becomes the next chairperson.

Some in the province are advancing its premier, Poppy Ramathuba, for the position, while others have cast their eyes on Peter Mokaba’s John Mpe.

At the same time, controversial current deputy chair, Florence Radzilani, is said to remain a factor.

Meanwhile, Madadzhe said it was far too soon to speak on the 11th congress but that gender would not be an issue.

"As to whether Limpopo is ready for a chairperson who is a female or a chairperson who is a male. it’s up to the delegates who’ll be attending the 11th conference in the province."

Limpopo played an instrumental role in shaping the current national leadership of the ANC, including the election of party president, Ramaphosa.