EFF members attacked during Makhuduthamag Municipality Council Sitting
JANE FURSE
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Limpopo say they strongly condemn actions of Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality (MLM), after the party’s councillor suffered a hand fracture, and about ten other EFF councillors pepper-sprayed by the bouncers during a council sitting convened at the municipality offices in Jane Furse on Wednesday 30 July 2025.
According to the party, the tension started when EFF councillors were questioning the municipality’s political authorities about pertinent matters that were deferred to the next meeting but never scheduled on the agenda.
The party alleges that during the questioning, the municipality unleashed bouncers on EFF councillors for holding them accountable as part of their constitutional mandate.
The municipality’s alleged behaviour was described as “thuggish” and “abuse of power” by the EFF.
EFF Provincial Chairperson in Limpopo, Lawrence Mapoulo, said part of the party’s questioning during the meeting, was the alarming issues of infrastructure projects that would be discussed in committee but committee members are not allowed to conduct oversight.
The EFF also alleged that the municipality is favouring ANC-aligned individuals and relatives in the issuance of permits for taxi operators.
“Only taxis owned by the ANC-aligned persons are allowed to operate within and around Jane Furse,” Mapoulo stated.
Recently, a dispute ensued between the Mashadi Local Taxi Association and the MLM over operating permits. The municipality has allegedly denied permits to the Mashadi Local Taxi Association unless they join the Jane Furse 6+1 Mini Taxi Association.
The association’s chairman, Christopher Makua, has expressed concerns about the impact on their livelihoods, stating that they will not join the Jane Furse 6+1 Mini Taxi Association due to the expensive joining fee of R15,000.
The EFF has expressed support for the Mashadi Local Taxi Association, citing their constitutional right to choose their own association.
Mapoulo furthered called on the municipality to give the Mashadi Local Taxi Association a permit and not only give permits to their friends in the ANC.
“We condemn the coward municipality for refusing to be held accountable. People of Makhuduthamaga deserve better and they need services as in yesterday,” he said.
Mapoulo said the party also demanded that MLM Mayor, Cllr Merah Mahlase, be held accountable for her actions and that the municipality stops abusing its power.
At the time of going to press, MLM Spokesperson, Thomas Mashabela, could not respond to enquiries sent by the publication.
