Premier Ramathuba Ties ANC’s 90% Vote Target to Concrete Service Delivery in Limpopo

Limpopo ANC Chair Dr. Phophi Ramathuba warns that the party must deliver water, roads, and jobs to achieve its 90% electoral goal in the province.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 30, 2026, 7:06 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from IOL

The Mandate of Service Over Political Loyalty

In her first major address following her unopposed re-election as Limpopo ANC Chairperson, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba issued a stark warning to party leadership: voter loyalty is earned through performance, not tradition. Speaking on Monday, Ramathuba argued that the ANC’s goal of capturing 90% of the provincial vote is within reach only if the administration prioritizes the "taps and tar" issues that define daily life for residents. She maintained that the electorate is not looking for complex economic abstractions but for the basic dignity afforded by functioning infrastructure and reliable utilities.

Addressing the Rural Infrastructure Crisis

The Premier’s remarks highlight a critical disconnect between political aspirations and the reality of Limpopo’s rural expanse. In many villages, crumbling roads and dry taps have become the norm, exacerbated by recent flood damage and historical neglect. For many communities, accessing clean water remains a daily struggle involving long distances to unsafe sources, while local clinics and schools continue to operate under the strain of failing infrastructure. Ramathuba acknowledged that these failures have fueled mounting public frustration and frequent protests against municipalities struggling with financial mismanagement.

Internal Unity as a Prerequisite for Success

Beyond external service delivery, Ramathuba identified internal factionalism as a primary threat to the party’s dominance. She warned that the ANC would "perish" if it remained consumed by internal power struggles instead of focusing on public service. By calling for a shift away from factional battles, the Chairperson positioned unity as a strategic necessity to meet the high electoral expectations set by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who has pushed for the province to raise its support from 70% to the 90% mark ahead of the 2026 local government elections.