ANC members call for Mathoma’s suspension over 'nomination'

Some ANC members in the Vhembe region have recommended that Khuthalani Curtis (KC) Mathoma, who claimed to have been nominated to serve on the ANC Limpopo Provincial Executive Committee (PEC), be temporarily suspended.

Mathoma, head of office for the mayor of Makhado Municipality, sent information to Limpopo Mirror claiming he was among the nominees for the upcoming ANC provincial conference, expected to take place from 27 to 29 March. He has publicly expressed support for Reuben “Vhamusanda Vho Reuben” Madadzhe to serve a second term as ANC provincial secretary and has aligned himself with delegates backing Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba’s leadership bid.

Following Mathoma’s announcement, ANC structures in Vhembe responded swiftly. Frank Tshililo, spokesperson for the region, said the nomination process only began on 24 and 25 January. He added that the organisation was surprised by a member going public with claims of nomination and distanced itself from such conduct.

Other ANC members, speaking off the record, said Mathoma should apologise. “We strongly believe that this will send a strong warning to all our members that we should lead exemplary lives and respect all decisions of the ANC,” one member said. It was noted that Mathoma does not qualify for nomination, as he is not part of the regional ANC structure and holds only an ordinary branch secretary position.

In response, Mathoma said he was not officially nominated but had been endorsed by his branch and branches in the Luvuvhu region. He acknowledged that the nomination process only began on 24 and 25 January and said some people oppose his potential nomination. He added that, had he been nominated, he believed he would have qualified.

Meanwhile, the ANC’s provincial elective conference appears likely to be uncontested after recent engagements between the party’s two main camps. The conference, to be held in Polokwane, will elect the provincial leadership, with the current term set to lapse in June ahead of local government elections.

The two camps - one backing Premier Ramathuba and the other supporting Polokwane Executive Mayor John Mpe - met over the past weekend to resolve disputes. Regional secretaries from all five Limpopo regions also engaged with lobbyists from both sides. The aim was to forge unity and allow the party to hold an uncontested conference. Premier Ramathuba is expected to lead as provincial chairperson, with Mpe as deputy chairperson. Reuben Madadzhe is anticipated to remain as provincial secretary, while Mopani’s Pule Shai could serve as deputy secretary. Fetakgomo Tubatse mayor Eddie Maila is reportedly in the running for provincial treasurer.

After the Special ANC Women’s Congress in Limpopo on 25 January, Tebogo Mamorobela, provincial secretary of the ANC Women’s League, said the league welcomed and fully supported the call for unity, cohesion, and organisational renewal ahead of the conference.

Date:30 January 2026

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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