The African National Congress (ANC) in the Vhembe region of Limpopo remains embroiled in internal conflict, with recent events underscoring the deep divisions within the party.
On 31 August 2025, a special regional council meeting scheduled at the Thohoyandou Indoor Sports Centre was abruptly disrupted and subsequently postponed because of political infighting. The meeting, intended to be addressed by a National Executive Committee (NEC) member, was marred by chants and disorder, leading to the departure of several members who left the hall visibly disappointed.
This disruption follows a series of legal challenges that have plagued the region. In May 2025, two separate urgent applications were filed to interdict the ANC Vhembe regional elective conference. These applications were struck off the roll by the Thohoyandou High Court, with costs awarded against the applicants. The applicants, including members of the party's regional task team (RTT), contended that the conference should not proceed until concerns over the credentials of participating branches had been resolved. However, the court ruled that the applications lacked merit, allowing the conference to proceed as planned.
The elective conference, held in early May, resulted in the re-election of Tshitereke Matibe as the ANC Vhembe regional chairperson. Despite the court's ruling, tensions remain high, with factions within the region expressing dissatisfaction over the leadership outcomes.
Regional Secretary Matodzi Ralushai condemned the disruptions at the 31 August meeting, stating that the ANC would take stern action against members responsible for the unrest. He emphasised that individuals involved in violent clashes would be dealt with accordingly. Ralushai also noted that reports would be submitted to the provincial executive committee (PEC), including observations from delegates sent to monitor the meeting.
In response to the unrest, some members have voiced their frustrations, suggesting that those who disrupted the meeting had previously boycotted the regional conference. They argue that if individuals are dissatisfied with the new leadership, they should follow proper procedures rather than resorting to disruptive tactics. One member remarked, "We use money to come to attend the meeting; those other members who came to the meeting drunk and caused disturbance are costing us."