POLOKWANE – The ANC’s national executive committee (NEC) has rejected Limpopo provincial chairperson, Chupu Stan Mathabatha’s request to step aside from his party duties, instructing him to resolve the matter with provincial structures.

The decision was made during a meeting on Wednesday, where a delegation led by Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula discussed the contents of Mathabatha’s letter with the Limpopo provincial leadership.

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The NEC has referred the matter back to the provincial committee for an internal resolution, with a final outcome to be communicated to national officials later.

Mathabatha had requested to step aside on Monday, linking his decision to “misconduct and a lack of ANC values” observed in the Vhembe and Waterberg regional conferences.

Read more: Opposition slams Chupu Mathabatha’s ANC chair resignation as ‘PR stunt’

He wrote that his decision was made “in order to uphold my reputation and integrity.”

The move has been met with internal and external criticism.

The ANC Youth League’s provincial secretary, Phineas Sebola, called Mathabatha’s action “cowardice,” arguing that a true leader should take responsibility rather than “run away.”

The youth league also called on him to resign from parliament and his role as deputy minister if he was serious about his integrity.

EFF Limpopo Chairperson, Lawrence Mapoulo, also weighed in, stating that Mathabatha’s move appears to be a political strategy to position himself for a possible third term as chairperson.

Mapoulo suggested that Mathabatha might be trying to be “begged” to rescue the organisation, despite questions about his capacity.