Disgruntled members of the ANC wave a party flag outside Luthuli House, 15 July 2022, in Johannesburg. Picture: Michel Bega There are fears that a tribal war is brewing in the Limpopo ANC ahead of the party’s provincial elective conference in March. This, after a “contentious” list of ANC leaders earmarked for the top five positions was circulated by the ANC regions of Norman Mashabane, Vhembe, Sekhukhune, Peter Mokaba, and Waterberg.
The list has Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba as chairperson, Polokwane Mayor Makoro John Mpe as deputy chair, current ANC Provincial Secretary Vhamusanda Reuben Madadzhe as provincial secretary, Mopani Mayor Pule ‘Frelimo’ Shayi as deputy provincial secretary and Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality Mayor Eddie Maila as treasurer. The exclusion of Rodgers Basikopo Makamu from the list has raised suspicions of tribal alliances within the Limpopo ANC. Makamu, originally from Giyani, has been the deputy secretary of the ANC in Limpopo for two consecutive terms.
Limpopo was formed by incorporating three former apartheid-era Bantustans (homelands) along with part of the former Transvaal province. It consists of the territories formerly known as Lebowa, Gazankulu, and Venda. When the new provinces were established after the 1994 elections, these territories – which were designated for specific black ethnic groups (Pedi, Tsonga, and Venda) – were merged to form what was initially named the Northern Province, later renamed Limpopo in 2002.
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While the Bantustans were officially abolished in 1994, their impact remains visible in the province. Attempts toreach Makamu for comment were unsuccessful, but those who spoke toThe Citizenshared the belief that he represents the Tsonga-speaking people, mainly from Giyani, Malamulele,and parts of Tzaneen. reach Makamu for comment were unsuccessful, but those who spoke toThe Citizenshared the belief that he represents the Tsonga-speaking people, mainly from Giyani, Malamulele, One ANC card-carrying member, a Pedi from Bolobedu, Tonnic Sehlwana, said the regions were unfair to Makamu.
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