Tensions within ANC structures in Vhembe are escalating ahead of the nomination of candidates for the upcoming local government elections, with rival factions reportedly campaigning to secure the nomination of their preferred candidates.
The divisions date back to last year's ANC regional conference, where Limpopo MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism Tshitereke Matibe defeated Simon Mavikane for the regional chairpersonship after an unsuccessful court bid to interdict the conference.
The rivalry has resurfaced in several branches, particularly over the selection of ward councillor candidates. One of the most contentious disputes has emerged in Ward 6 of the Makhado Municipality, which includes Tshiozwi and parts of Madombidzha Zone II.
Community members gathered on 30 May to nominate an ANC candidate for ward councillor, but some residents alleged they were denied the opportunity to nominate a candidate of their choice. They walked out of the meeting and later lodged a complaint with the ANC provincial leadership, claiming the process had been manipulated to favour a preferred candidate.
The Provincial Dispute Resolution Council (PDRC) investigated the complaint and found several shortcomings in the nomination process. According to its findings, no Electoral Officer was present as required by ANC guidelines, the voters' roll was not formally applied, candidate details were recorded informally, and at least 13 people from other wards allegedly participated without their eligibility being properly verified. The meeting eventually collapsed after tensions escalated.
The Branch Executive Committee (BEC) disputed some of the allegations, saying both a hard-copy voters' roll and the IEC digital verification system had been used during registration. It also said the group that later complained had been invited to remain and nominate its preferred candidate before leaving the meeting. According to the BEC, 367 people initially attended the meeting, while 225 remained after the walkout.
After considering submissions from both sides, the PDRC upheld the dispute on 8 July and ordered that the nomination meeting be rerun under the supervision of the Regional Executive Committee (REC) and Provincial Executive Committee (PEC). It also recommended training for the BEC and improved documentation procedures.
Meanwhile, ANC Limpopo secretary Vhamusanda Reuben Madadzhe has warned party members against violence and conflict over councillor nominations ahead of the local government elections expected in November.
Speaking during a visit to Madabani Stadium last month, Madadzhe said serving as an ANC volunteer did not guarantee a councillor position.
“The community has the power to nominate leaders because they know who can best serve them and address their needs,” he said.
He cautioned party members against imposing candidates on communities, saying the ANC had received numerous reports of disputes and violence linked to nomination processes in several branches.