Whether or not cadre deployment continues in the Makhado Municipality seems less the issue than which faction has the final say in the appointments. This emerged from recent disputes surrounding the appointment of a former councillor to the position of manager at the Dzanani Regional Office.
Frank Chililo began working as the new manager at Dzanani on 1 November, but his appointment has sparked opposition from a faction of the ruling party's councillors. The constituency he served as a ward councillor also voiced dissatisfaction, claiming they had lodged numerous complaints about him in the past but to no avail.
Four ANC councillors approached the Limpopo High Court at the end of October, seeking to halt Chililo's appointment, arguing that it was unlawful and irrational. Their first attempt to convince the court to intervene failed as the court was not persuaded that the matter was urgent or that all channels had been exhausted to resolve it.
However, this was not the end of the dispute, and over the past two weeks, it has intensified, with further allegations emerging. Whether these claims hold substance remains uncertain.
From Councillor to Manager
Nndanganeni Frank Chililo joined the Makhado Municipality in 2011 as an ANC ward councillor for Ward 37. He served two terms before being appointed as a proportional representative councillor in 2021. He held this position until his resignation on 25 October this year, shortly before being appointed as manager of the Dzanani Regional Office on 1 November.
Judging by his social-media profile picture, Chililo is a staunch supporter of the current mayor, Dorcus Mboyi, who is reportedly backed by, among others, Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba.
The four councillors who opposed his appointment argued in court that it had been irregular and politically motivated. Court documents state that, while serving as a councillor, Chililo was involved in various committees, including the Local Labour Forum and the Rules Committee, which had participated in establishing the post and determining its requirements.
Chililo denied these allegations, calling them "baseless and politically motivated." He maintained that due processes had been followed during the appointment and that he had played no role in the decision-making process.
The matter will be heard in court again on 29 November.
Allegations of Nepotism
Chililo has faced multiple accusations, including nepotism. Last year, residents of Ward 37, where he served as councillor until 2021, lodged several complaints against him. In letters sent to the Public Prosecutor, the SAPS station commander, and the ANC regional office, it is alleged that Chililo used his position for personal and familial gain, neglecting the needs of the people he was supposed to represent.
The complaints came from the Ward 37 Business Forum, the SA Youth Against Crime organisation, and "Concerned Citizens," who demanded his immediate removal as councillor and a thorough investigation into his conduct.
Chililo is accused of securing employment for his wife, his blood brother, his sister-in-law (who was initially employed by the municipality and later transferred to a mining site in Ha-Mudimeli), a woman romantically linked to his brother-in-law, his former domestic worker, and the daughter of a ward committee member.
"This is not how public offices should operate," said a frustrated resident. "Our people, many of whom are qualified and capable, have been sidelined while jobs are handed out to friends and family."
To verify whether these individuals are or have been employed by the municipality, an inquiry was sent to Makhado Municipality spokesperson Mr Mpho Rathando on Tuesday, 19 November. After a week of unanswered messages and missed calls, Rathando responded on Tuesday, 26 November, saying he only responded to urgent inquiries and should not be pressured to provide answers.
ANC to Investigate
Gumani Mukwevho, spokesperson for the ANC in Vhembe, confirmed that the party had received formal complaints from the Ward 37 community and recognised the seriousness of the allegations made against the former PR councillor.
"The ANC has received letters from the Ward 37 community and is currently reviewing them with the intent to respond. We are also addressing the matter of councillors who took the said comrade to court over alleged misconduct," Mukwevho stated.
She emphasised the ANC's commitment to thoroughly investigating the allegations: "Our intention is to carefully examine all allegations against the comrade in question and, at the appropriate time, afford him an opportunity to present his side of the story as dictated by the principles of natural justice."
Mukwevho also reaffirmed the ANC's role as a unifying force in society: "As the ANC, we are the leader of society, and it is our responsibility to resolve community disputes and foster unity. The grievances of the Ward 37 community are receiving the necessary attention and will be resolved. No community is exempt, including Ward 37," she added.
She concluded by reiterating the ANC's stance on accountability: "We believe that none of our deployees is bigger than the society or the communities that voted us into power," Mukwevho said.
"Chililo Tried to Intimidate Us"
Although some of the complaints date back to July last year, the ANC's regional office has only recently begun to address them.
One of the allegations against Chililo is that he intimidated and threatened community members. This stems from a meeting in Maangani village, where he reportedly used vulgar language, prompting the royal council to ban him from attending future gatherings.
In another incident on 14 August, during a Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL) meeting, Chililo allegedly led a group of intoxicated individuals and disrupted proceedings. "He had a confrontation with a female business leader, which required police intervention to manage the situation. Chililo came to the meeting armed with a firearm," claimed a community member.
Chililo was asked for a response but requested that his legal representative, Adv Khaukanani "Thomas" Christopher Sioga, reply on his behalf.
Sioga vehemently denied the allegations, stating: "As PR councillor at the time, Mr Chililo attended various community meetings in Ward 37, but no such incidents occurred. Furthermore, if there was a victim, one would expect a criminal case to have been opened."
"He Interfered with a Road Project"
In the letters of complaint, Chililo is accused of interfering with the construction of Road D3671. Community members allege he attempted to influence the procurement processes, favouring external companies over local businesses.
A security company from Thohoyandou, allegedly linked to a friend of Chililo's, was appointed without a competitive bidding process, causing outrage among local entrepreneurs. "We were removed from the database on his instructions," said a business owner. "It feels like we've been excluded from opportunities that are rightfully ours."
In response, Sioga stated that his client had never been part of any committee responsible for awarding tenders. "He is not an entrepreneur, nor did he bid for the tender. He was not a member of the BEC or BAC committees for any tenders in that regard. The unsuccessful bidders are free to approach the court for recourse, should they wish to do so," he said.