LIMPOPO – Political infighting within the Makhado Municipality has once again disrupted proceedings, with last Friday’s council meeting delayed for nearly 90 minutes as ANC councillors debated whether or not to suspend municipal manager Kent Nemaname.

The ongoing power struggle has divided ANC members into two factions – one supporting Mayor Dorcus Mboyi and the other backing speaker Gumani Mukwevho Mitileni.

The Mitileni faction is advocating for Nemaname’s suspension, citing allegations of mismanagement, including his failure to fill key vacancies like the director of technical services post.

They accuse him of poor leadership and non-cooperation with ANC councillors.

However, the Mboyi faction insists that due process must be followed and that concrete evidence must be presented before any action is taken.

Opposition parties have condemned the internal conflicts, warning that they distract from service delivery. IRC councillor Dan Singo criticised the political games, stating that municipal officials are being intimidated.

EFF provincial leader Lawrence Mapoulo called the dispute a selfish power struggle, while DA provincial chairperson Jacques Smalle emphasised that any concerns should be handled through the appropriate portfolio committees.

Contacted for comment, Nemaname referred CV to the municipal spokesperson, Mpho Rathando who denied that any formal discussion on Nemaname’s suspension had taken place.

“The municipality only learned of the issue through media reports,” he said.