Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba has made history by becoming the first female provincial chairperson of the African National Congress (ANC) in Limpopo, after being elected unopposed at the party’s provincial conference in Polokwane.
Her election follows a ruling by the High Court in Polokwane, which dismissed an urgent application to interdict the provincial elective conference held this weekend. The application was brought by ANC branch member Nhlanhla Basil Mabasa, who challenged the legitimacy of a digital device used to verify attendance at a branch general meeting in Ward 10 in the Collins Chabane region, as explained on the Government of South Africa website.
Unity Slate Emerges
A unity slate reportedly emerged at the ANC Limpopo conference, with all candidates nominated at the branch level elected without opposition. Ramathuba replaces outgoing provincial chairperson Stanley Mathabatha. She was elected in the early hours of Saturday, at the Polokwane Cricket Club.
Polokwane Municipality mayor John Mpe was elected unopposed as deputy chairperson. Reuben Madadzhe was re-elected as provincial secretary, also unopposed. Pule Shai was elected deputy provincial secretary, and Eddie Maila as provincial treasurer.
Key Challenges Ahead
Dr Ramathuba takes office at a critical time, with her immediate task being to consolidate leadership, manage internal competition and strengthen unity as the ANC prepares for the 2026 local government elections. Limpopo was the only ANC province to secure more than 70% support in the 2024 national and provincial elections.
Some of the key challenges she will face include:
- Consolidating leadership and managing internal competition
- Strengthening unity within the party
- Preparing for the 2026 local government elections
The conference began on Friday afternoon after the High Court struck an urgent application to stop it from the roll. More than 1,000 delegates from Limpopo’s five regions attended, gathering at a dome set up at the Polokwane Cricket Club in the city centre.
