POLOKWANE – The ANC in Limpopo says it is ready to host its 11th provincial conference at a rented dome at the Pietersburg Cricket Club, where 1 170 voting branch delegates and 132 non-voting delegates, including alliance partners, media and guests, are expected.

The conference starts on Friday and runs until Sunday, where the party will elect its top five provincial executive committee (PEC) leaders: chairperson, deputy chairperson, secretary, deputy secretary and treasurer.

A new chairperson will replace Stan Mathabatha, who has indicated his intention to retire from active politics.

Provincial secretary Reuben Madadzhe said preparations are on track, with branch participation increasing from about 440 in 2022 to 568 this year. He described this as historic, adding that all five regions have more than 145 delegates, which will enhance representation.

Madadzhe was speaking during a media briefing at the ANC’s provincial headquarters, Frans Mohlala House in Polokwane. The conference is themed, ‘Advancing ANC renewal agenda for decisive victory and accelerating the National Democratic Revolution project’.

He noted that the national dispute resolution committee was still finalising 14 disputes linked to last year’s regional conferences. Of 29 cases, 15 outcomes had already been processed, none requiring reruns.

Madadzhe expressed confidence that all matters would be concluded in time.

He also confirmed that alliance partners, including the South African Communist Party (SACP), had been invited despite political differences ahead of the local government elections.

“We are not apologetic, conferences are separate,” he said.

Madadzhe declined to comment on reports of a ‘unity slate’ or his possible re-election, saying he would not compromise his position.

Regional spokesperson Adolph Rapetsoa echoed this, noting the slate had not been formally presented.

Sources, however, suggest the proposed unity slate seeks to balance leadership preferences, with a reported agreement for the Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba to stand as chairperson and John Mpe as her deputy.