ANC Limpopo Divides Over Tshitereke Matibe’s Fourth Term Bid

ANC in Limpopo is divided over whether MEC for Economic Development, Environment, and Tourism Tshitereke Matibe should serve a fourth term as Vhembe regional chair.

Therefore, the region will hold its elective conference next month, where Matibe, who has led the ANC in Vhembe for nearly a decade, is being touted for re-election. His strongest backing comes from the ANC Youth League (ANCYL), while some members believe it is time for new leadership.

ANC Vhembe spokesperson Gumani Mukwevho confirmed that the party is finalising details for the upcoming conference.

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“We have a meeting this week to discuss all the nitty-gritties, including the venue and date of the conference,” he said.

At the December ANCYL regional elective conference, the youth league endorsed Matibe’s re-election bid.

“The youth of Vhembe stand firmly behind Matibe. We believe the future looks promising under his leadership,” said ANCYL regional spokesperson Mbhoni Manganyi.

However, some ANC members argue that Matibe’s long tenure prevents fresh leadership from emerging.

“It’s time he handed over the baton to a new generation,” said Raymond Hlungwane, a member of the Happy Joyce Mashamba ANC branch in Collins Chabane Municipality.

Hlungwane backs Simon Mavikane, a former ANCYL leader, as a strong alternative.

Matibe has not commented on his candidacy, but his name appears on two of the three slates as the preferred candidate for regional chair.

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His campaign echoes the broader ANC trend of leaders seeking extended terms. Former Limpopo premier Stanley Mathabatha successfully secured three consecutive terms, while Thabo Mbeki famously failed in his third-term bid against Jacob Zuma in 2007.

With the elective conference approaching, the ANC in Vhembe remains divided on whether to continue with familiar leadership or embrace change.

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