Makhado council meeting collapses again amid ANC infighting
ANC infighting in the Makhado Municipality disrupted another council meeting, stalling 2025/26 budget talks and sparked fresh calls for resignations.
LIMPOPO – The ongoing conflict between ANC councillors in the Makhado Municipality shows no signs of resolution, as another council meeting was disrupted and postponed on March 31 due to internal divisions.
The meeting was set to discuss the municipality’s 2025/26 draft budget but was derailed by factional disputes.
The latest disruption has reignited calls for the resignation of the speaker, Gumani Mukwevho Mitileni, with councillors aligned with Mayor Dorcus Mboyi accusing her of failing to maintain order.
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They said they intend to submit a motion of no confidence against her, citing a repeated collapse of council meetings due to infighting.
Tension escalated when Mitileni questioned the attendance register from a strategic planning meeting held in Polokwane in March.
She and chief whip Sampson Baloyi had reportedly attempted to have the planning meeting postponed, despite the venue already being booked at taxpayers’ expense.
When their efforts failed, they allegedly delayed its start by four hours before walking out.
This is not the first time political chaos has plagued the municipality. Last year alone, three council meetings collapsed without resolutions being made.
The ongoing power struggle between factions supporting the mayor, and those backing the speaker and chief whip has hindered municipal governance, sourced told CV.
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The disruption also prevented discussions on key budget items, including concerns over the proposed purchase of a fridge for R50 000, two microwave ovens at R15 000 each, and a chainsaw costing R130 000.
Opposition parties, including the DA and the International Revelation Congress (IRC), have criticised the ANC-led council for failing to prioritise service delivery.
DA provincial chairperson Jacques Smalle raised concerns about budget transparency, warning of potential wasteful expenditure and mismanagement.
IRC representative Dan Singo expressed disappointment, saying the meeting should have focused on governance rather than ANC internal battles.
“This is not an ANC meeting, but a council meeting,” he remarked, criticising the disruption and what he termed, a lack of leadership.
