POLOKWANE – ANC branches in Limpopo will be given sufficient time to deliberate on a proposal for an early provincial conference.

The suggestion, tabled by the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC), is aimed at aligning leadership with preparations for the 2026 local government elections. Provincial secretary Reuben Madadzhe made the announcement on Monday during a media briefing at the party’s headquarters at Frans Mohlala House, where he outlined the outcomes of the PEC’s recent special meeting. He said the leadership was committed to broad consultation, allowing branches to fully ventilate their views before any decision is taken.

Madadzhe credited current provincial chairperson, Chupu Stan Mathabatha, for growing the ANC’s membership in Limpopo, noting that under his stewardship, the province moved from being the second-lowest in member numbers to the strongest ANC-run province in the country.

His remarks came in the wake of a national councillors’ roll call meeting where ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa and national chairperson Gwede Mantashe criticised underperformance in ANC-led municipalities, referencing findings from Auditor-General Tsakane Maluleke.

Responding to questions about delays in decision-making, Madadzhe explained that multiple overlapping activities, including Regional General Council meetings, the roll call, and special PEC sittings, had limited the time branches had to thoroughly debate the proposal.

“We want to avoid a situation where leaders communicate their personal views instead of those of branch members,” he said. “Branches will be afforded ample time to engage on this matter, and once the process is complete, the final outcome will be communicated in a similar setting to today’s media briefing.”