All eyes on Stan ahead of Lim conference, says analyst

According to at least one analyst, it remains unclear whether Limpopo ANC chairperson Stan Chupu Mathabatha is genuinely stepping aside, or strategically positioning himself for a third term following his announcement that he will not seek reelection at the upcoming provincial conference, the date of which is yet to be confirmed.

- Koketšo Sekhwela

Political analyst Zack Moabelo suggests that Mathabatha's move may be more calculated than it appears.

His analysis stems in part from comments made by EFF Limpopo leader Lawrence Mapoulo, who described Mathabatha's step-aside announcement as "playing hard to get". According to Mapoulo, Mathabatha may be distancing himself now, as the conference draws near and preparations become more difficult, so that he may be called back - as he was in the past - to "rescue the party from internal disarray". Moabelo believes this scenario is plausible, especially considering the political precedent. "He was previously brought in to stabilise the province, and this could be another strategic wait for the call to return and lead," he said.