Mathabatha stays put after threat

A threat by the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) in Limpopo may have swayed Land Reform and Rural Development Deputy Minister Stan Mathabatha not to go ahead with a decision to step aside as ANC Limpopo chair.

- Alex Japho Matlala

Mathabatha wrote to ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula earlier this month, informing him of his intention to step aside and complaining about party's internal squabbles at the recent Waterberg and Vhembe regional elective conferences.

He told Mbalula he was doing so to protect his integrity.

This, however, did not sit well with the league, which gave him an ultimatum.

"If comrade Mathabatha feels that what he calls his integrity is too big for the ANC, he might as well pen a resignation letter without causing drama," said the league.