'Unity' remains key for conference - ANC

Preparations for the ANC Limpopo provincial conference, scheduled for March 27-29 have formally begun, with branch general meetings (BGMs) taking place across the province amid ongoing efforts to promote unity within the organisation.

- Koketšo Sekhwela

The conference comes after months of internal contestation, particularly around leadership preferences for the position of provincial chairperson. In recent months, two groupings had publicly emerged, backing either the Premier, Phophi Ramathuba or Polokwane Mayor John Mpe. While it remains early to assess whether unity will ultimately prevail, national leadership has played a visible role in shaping the current direction of the process.

Following a recent national executive committee (NEC) lekgotla, the ANC announced a preferred leadership configuration aimed at balancing interests within the province. Ramathuba was identified as the preferred candidate for provincial chairperson, with Mpe proposed as deputy chairperson.