Tzaneen Municipality faces traditional leader standoff
Traditional authorities blocked access to Greater Tzaneen Municipality offices, calling for improved communication and accountability.
LIMPOPO – Traditional leaders under the Napuno Modjadji and Mogoboya tribal authorities have voiced strong concerns over ongoing administrative delays and communication breakdowns with the Greater Tzaneen Municipality, following a tense standoff at municipal offices on Monday, April 20.
Municipal offices blocked during protest
Members of the delegation, drawn from Maake, Modjadji, Letsoalo, Mokgolobotho and surrounding royal councils, reportedly blocked the main entrance to the municipality for nearly three hours while demanding an urgent audience with the mayor.
The mayor was reportedly unavailable due to prior commitments, a situation that escalated tensions among the visiting traditional leadership, who say months of engagement requests had gone unanswered or were inconsistently handled.
Meeting eventually arranged
The situation was eventually defused after municipal officials met the delegation inside the council chambers for a brief engagement.
It was here that a formal high-level meeting was confirmed for May 5, to include the mayor, senior municipal officials, traditional leaders, and potentially representatives from the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDL).
Traditional leaders cite frustration over delays
Traditional leadership spokesperson Peter Ramothwala said the delegation acted out of frustration over repeated delays, but emphasised that dialogue remains their preferred approach.
“We are not here to undermine any institution.
“Our communities deserve answers and structured engagement,” he said.
Ramothwala said that poor communication has become a major obstacle, warning that ignored formal requests and reliance on informal messages have created confusion and eroded trust.
He stressed that the meeting scheduled for May 5 must deliver tangible outcomes, saying it “cannot be another talk shop”.
Calls for accountability in administration
A senior member of the royal councils echoed these concerns, saying traditional leaders had followed proper channels but continued to face delays, adding that traditional leadership structures deserved respect.
The tribal authorities also raised concerns about municipal administrative practices, including unacknowledged documents and inconsistent meeting confirmations.
“There must be accountability in administration,” Ramothwala said.
Agreement on formal communication channels
Despite the tension, both sides agreed that all future communication would take place through official email channels to ensure transparency and proper record-keeping.
Municipal officials reportedly acknowledged the concerns, while traditional leaders said the involvement of the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, though welcome, should not delay municipal accountability.
The Herald asked for comment but received no feedback at the time of print.
