ANC members in Vhembe call for action over PEC nomination claims
Vhembe ANC members call for disciplinary action after KC Mathoma claimed he had been nominated to the Limpopo PEC.
LIMPOPO – Some ANC members in the Vhembe region have called for disciplinary action against Khuthalani Curtis (KC) Mathoma following his public claim that he had been nominated to serve on the ANC Limpopo Provincial Executive Committee (PEC).
Claims spark backlash
Mathoma, who is head of office for the Mayor of Makhado, shared information with CV stating that he was among the nominees for the ANC’s provincial elective conference, scheduled to take place from March 27-29.
He has publicly expressed support for incumbent provincial secretary Reuben Madadzhe to serve a second term and aligned himself with lobby groups backing the Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, for provincial chairperson.
ANC structures in Vhembe responded shortly after the claims emerged. Regional spokesperson Frank Tshililo said the nomination process only commenced on January 24-25 and that the region was taken aback by a member publicly announcing a nomination before formal processes had concluded.
“The organisation distances itself from such conduct,” Tshililo said, adding that internal processes should be respected.
Calls grow for apology and disciplinary steps
Several ANC members, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Mathoma should apologise and that disciplinary steps, including a temporary suspension, had been suggested.
They further argued that Mathoma does not qualify for nomination, as he does not hold a position within the regional executive structure and serves only as a branch secretary.
Mathoma denies formal nomination
Mathoma, however, denied that he had been formally nominated.
He said he had received endorsements from his branch and from branches within the Luvuvhu region.
He acknowledged that the official nomination process started on January 24-25 and said opposition to his name had emerged as a result.
He added that, had he been nominated, he believed he would have met the requirements.
Focus shifts to ANC provincial conference dynamics
Meanwhile, preparations for the ANC provincial elective conference continue, with indications that the contest may be largely uncontested following engagements between the party’s two main lobby groups.
The camps supporting the premier and Polokwane Mayor John Mpe held discussions over the past weekend aimed at resolving differences and promoting unity. Regional secretaries from all five Limpopo regions also met with lobbyists from both sides.
The current leadership term is due to expire in June, ahead of the local government election.
Ramathuba is expected to be nominated as provincial chairperson, with Mpe as deputy chairperson. Madadzhe is widely expected to retain his position as provincial secretary, while Mopani Mayor Pule Shai is being considered for deputy secretary. Fetakgomo Tubatse mayor Eddie Maila is reportedly in contention for provincial treasurer.
Following the ANC Women’s League’s special provincial congress on January 25, league provincial secretary Tebogo Mamorobela said the organisation supported calls for unity, cohesion and organisational renewal ahead of the conference.
