The African National Congress (ANC), guided by its quest for renewal, unity and accountability, has decided to reject its Limpopo provincial chairperson Stan Mathabatha's decision to step aside from his role.

Mathabatha voluntary stepped aside as the ANC Limpopo chairperson, and in a letter addressed to the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) he cited misconduct in the party, and the erosion of ANC values and processes relating to conferences in the Vhembe and Waterberg regions.

Following receipt of Mathabatha’s letter, ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula convened a meeting with Mathabatha to discuss the issues he raised, ahead of a meeting at Luthuli House attended by the party’s NEC members deployed to Limpopo.

In a statement on Friday, the ANC said the meeting with the NEC members resolved to reject Mathabatha’s intention to step aside and refer the matter back to the province to address the issues he raised.

The party said the outcome of that resolution will be shared with national officials at another meeting.

“The ANC emphasises that this process is guided by the principles of organisational renewal, unity, and accountability. With all regional conferences in Limpopo now successfully concluded, the province is expected to focus on accelerating service delivery and responding to the needs of the people,” it said.

It further acknowledged its recent by-election victory in Limpopo, in ward 34 of Fetakgomo Tubatse local municipality, and attributed this win to voter confidence in the ANC.

“The ANC reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the bond of trust between the movement and the communities we serve, and to ensuring that the confidence expressed through the ballot continues to translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives,” the party said.