Allegations of discrimination against a blind traditional leader from Budeli by "self-imposed" ANC members led to a protest march two weeks ago. The demonstration, held on Wednesday, 5 February, was supported by hundreds of community members and organisations, including the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO), the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), and the TSS Support Group, which advocates for the rights of people with disabilities.
The protest took place at the Thohoyandou Magistrate's Court, where a memorandum of grievances was handed over. Residents of Habudeli and the Lukwarani royal family accuse certain ANC members of discriminatory practices, particularly targeting their blind traditional leader, Vhamusanda Vho Ndweleni Michael Muthaphuli.
Two ANC leaders, Christopher Netshandama and Esther Ramuhovhi, are accused of defying the traditional leader's authority by demarcating sites without his permission.
The marchers, waving placards and singing protest songs, walked from the Thulamela taxi rank to the magistrate's court, where they handed over the memorandum to ANC representative Matodzi Shavhani. She assured them that their grievances would be forwarded to the relevant office for review.
In presenting the memorandum, SANCO provincial representative Battalion Motha reminded the ANC of its historical ties to traditional leadership. "What happened here is very shameful," he said, accusing the two ANC members of refusing to be led by a blind person and undermining the rule of law in the village.
ANC regional secretary Rudzani Ludere said the party was in discussions with the royal house and its members to resolve the issue. "As an organisation, we remain committed to our lifelong relationship with traditional leadership. The ANC condemns any behaviour that seeks to undermine and disrespect Khosi Vho Michael Muthaphuli as this goes against both cultural and organisational values," he said.