The African National Congress (ANC) Waterberg Region has ushered in new leadership following the conclusion of its 10th Regional Conference, which wrapped up in the early hours of Monday morning. The long-awaited results saw Moloko Jack Maeko elected as regional chairperson with 191 votes, a victory that was greeted with loud cheers from delegates at the packed venue.
Joining Maeko in the new top five are Thulani Ngoako Taueatsoala as deputy chairperson (192 votes), Rufus Mahoro as regional secretary (194 votes), Andries Lekalakala as deputy secretary (187 votes), and Elsie Ndhlovu as treasurer (189 votes).
The elections, which were contested with intense lobbying behind the scenes, signal a shift in power dynamics in the Waterberg, a region that has been marred by internal divisions and leadership disputes over the past three years.
In a media statement released shortly after the results, the ANC said:
“The ANC Waterberg Region has a new leadership team, elected through a democratic process. We wish them success in their new roles and look forward to seeing the impact they will make in the region.”
The conference also saw Electoral Committee Chairperson Simon Mathe announce the dissolution of the Regional Task Team (RTT), which had been overseeing the party’s affairs since the region was disbanded in 2022 due to factional infighting. “The dissolution of the RTT marks the end of a transitional period and the beginning of a new chapter for the ANC in Waterberg,” Mathe declared to applause from delegates.
The Waterberg region, which covers areas such as Lephalale, Mokopane, and Modimolle, has been a key political battleground in Limpopo. Analysts say the newly elected leadership will face the immediate challenge of uniting fractured branches while also preparing the ground for the ANC’s 2026 local government election campaign.
One political analyst told journalists the outcome could set the tone for Limpopo’s provincial conference next year.
“The Waterberg is strategic because it is home to mining towns and agricultural hubs that influence both the provincial economy and ANC politics. How this new team performs will impact the ANC’s standing in the province,” she said.
Insiders say the new leadership has strong links to Limpopo Premier and ANC Provincial Chairperson Stan Mathabatha, who remains a dominant figure in provincial politics despite speculation about succession battles.
Chairperson Moloko Maeko has long been seen as an ally of Mathabatha’s camp, while deputy chairperson Thulani Taueatsoala has connections to younger leaders who are pushing for generational change within the party.
“This alignment will be closely watched,” a senior provincial ANC leader told African Times. “The Waterberg result is not just about local politics; it could influence provincial dynamics and even Limpopo’s position at the ANC’s national conference.”
Some delegates leaving the conference venue expressed optimism that the elections would bring much-needed stability. “We are tired of infighting. We want leaders who will focus on service delivery and restoring the people’s confidence in the ANC,” said branch member Lebogang Ramokgopa from Modimolle.
Another delegate, speaking anonymously, noted that while the elections were free and fair, the new leadership must quickly heal divisions. “The challenge starts today. They must not be captured by factions but serve all members.”
With Maeko at the helm, the ANC Waterberg Region is expected to prioritize economic development issues, particularly unemployment among youth, and address service delivery failures that have plagued municipalities in the area. The party’s regional office confirmed that a broader list of additional regional executive committee members will be announced later this week.
For now, the ANC says the focus is on unity.
“This is about renewal and strengthening the movement at grassroots level,” said Mathe. “The branches have spoken.”
Top 5 officials of the ANC Waterberg Region are:
- Chairperson: Moloko Jack Maeko (191 votes)
- Deputy Chairperson: Thulani Ngoako Taueatsoala (192 votes)
- Regional Secretary: Rufus Mahoro (194 votes)
- Deputy Regional Secretary: Andries Lekalakala (187 votes)
- Treasurer: Elsie Ndhlovu (189 votes)
