After repeated denials from party officials during the past few months, a member of the African National Congress hierarchy in the Limpopo Province has finally conceded that a split is imminent.

A statement issued by Health and Welfare MEC Sello Moloto has thrown the proverbial cat among the pigeons. Responding to speculation about a possible leadership showdown at the coming ANC provincial conference, he said speculation about his name had reached a stage, which had "the potential to confuse and divide the movement ".

"These developments also undermine our collective efforts to rebuild the ANC, and to reclaim its unity for the realisation of its long time vision of bettering the lives of our people", Moloto declared.

"As far as I am concerned, it is in the interest of members of the ANC and the progressive forces to remain focused on the historic mission of building a true non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa," he added.

"Unity within the ranks of the movement remains the only condition for the achievement of the above stated goals".

It is common knowledge that Moloto and Public Works MEC Collins Chabane are front-runners in the race for the ANC provincial leadership and, ultimately, the Premiership, should current incumbent Ngoako Ramatlhodi step down or accept a national appointment.