Tensions are escalating in the ANC caucus in one of the Chris Hani District’s most troubled municipalities after a senior councillor, who is part of its governing troika, was accused of assaulting another councillor from the party during a heated council debate.
Sparks flew during the meeting at the Sakhisizwe local municipality buildings in Khowa (formerly Elliot) on Monday last week, when councillors discussed a Municipal Demarcation Board’s report on proposed ward boundary changes in 2026.
According to insiders, several councillors from the municipality’s nine wards expressed anger over the planned changes, which led to a shouting match in the chamber.
During the exchange, Speaker Nomzamo Mkati is alleged to have “physically attacked” fellow ANC councillor Thembelakhe Tasana, who has a disability.
Tasana is said to have attempted to report an assault complaint at the local police station.
However, according to Xhalanga Civic Platform convener Bulelani Bunyonyo, he was prevented from registering the complaint.
Bunyonyo claimed Khowa station commander Colonel Zukiswa Mzalisi personally intervened.
“Indeed, the station commander immediately called the police station and halted the interview of the complainant.
“In her tracksuit, she went to the station and halted the process of opening a criminal case. She advised the victim councillor and the speaker to come back when they were ready,” Bunyonyo said.
The civic group has lodged a complaint with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid), alleging obstruction of justice.
“Gender-based violence is a serious societal ill in South Africa and it must be treated as a priority crime irrespective of who is involved,” Bunyonyo said.
When contacted this week, Tasana declined to discuss the allegations.
“The matter is being handled by the party,” he said.
Mkati strongly rejected the assault allegation. She claimed on Friday she had been verbally abused by Tasana during the meeting.
“I want him to tell me how I assaulted him because people who were in that meeting saw I was the one who was abused.
“He said the worst things you can say to a human being [including] ... sleeping with men [and] having smelly body parts.
“I did not understand his frustration because everyone was given a chance to speak.
“I do not understand what his issue was; whether it was the voting districts or what that caused him to say all those things.
“People say he has opened a case but I haven’t heard anything from him. I’d really love to know,” she said.
“All I can say is I will deal with the matter internally both at the party and the municipality. I know I am not his first victim and I will bring it up,” she said.
ANC caucus leaders in the municipality denied there were divisions in the party.
Chief whip Mbulelo Mxhonywa said no criminal case had been opened and insisted the caucus remained united.
However, party insiders said the fallout had deepened tensions within the local ANC and had drawn in traditional leaders.
AmaGcina Traditional Council head Inkosi Baphiwe Gecelo said he had been informed about the dispute the day after the meeting.
“I was notified on Tuesday and heard that the case has been opened but I don’t know so far.
“I would like a formal engagement in this because this could have been avoided. He (Tasana) serves under my jurisdiction, so I am [compelled] to enter it. It is unacceptable,” Gecelo said.
Mkati and mayor Boniswa Ponoshe were last year accused of misusing municipal fuel cards for private vehicles.
Bunyonyo reported fraud complaints against both officials in October 2024.
A month later, Mkati and Ponoshe sought a harassment order against him, claiming he was tarnishing their reputations in public and online.
“He said I’m corrupt, and he continued to update social media with all what he is doing against my name,” Mkati said in her affidavit.
With the ANC battling to maintain discipline in the troubled municipality, the latest confrontation has laid bare growing divisions and raised questions about the handling of internal disputes and criminal allegations.
Daily Dispatch
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