Power struggle in Makhado Municipality causes disruptions

The Political infighting in the Makhado Municipality, Limpopo, has once again caused disruptions, resulting in last Friday’s council meeting being delayed for nearly 90 minutes. This is as ANC councillors debated whether to suspend municipal manager Kent Nemaname.

The infighting among ANC councillors has been ongoing for years, with members divided into two factions. One faction is backing Mayor Dorcus Mboyi, and the other is supporting Speaker Gumani Mukwevho Mitileni.

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The Mitileni group is pushing for Nemaname’s suspension, citing allegations of mismanagement, including his failure to fill senior vacancies such as the Director of Technical Services post. The post has been occupied by acting director Ms LA Thulare for nine months. They also accuse him of poor leadership and a lack of cooperation with ANC councillors.

POLITICAL INFIGHTING IN THE MAKHADO MUNICIPALITY RESULT IN DISRUPTIONS

One councillor, who spoke on condition of anonymity to Limpopo Mirror, said Nemaname was using his office to distribute patronage. He allegedly promised jobs and tenders to divide party structures.

“We asked the municipal manager to prioritise internal candidates for vacancies, but he has not cooperated,” said the councillor.

However, the Mboyi faction argues that due process must be followed before any action is taken and that evidence of wrongdoing must be presented. They point out that the Auditor-General’s latest report gave the municipality an unqualified opinion, indicating no major financial mismanagement.