While many cultures are still regarding the Vha-Venda and Tsonga tribes as friends, an element of hostility broke out between the two tribes, as the Tsonga-speaking people are demanding to have their own municipality.

A traditional leader, Mr Eric Mudavula, said negotiation is still continuing with the Limpopo provincial government in order to get their own municipality. Mudavula alleged that Thulamela Municipality is not delivering basic services to the Tsonga area since the transformation of Giyani-Malamulele Transitional Local Council (TLC) into Thulamela Municipality. “Tsonga chiefs say Shangaan stakeholders were not consulted during the transformation,” he said.

Mr Eric Bevula said only Venda speaking people are getting services from the Thulamela Municipality. They also allege that if there is a municipal gathering in Malamulele, the catering companies are always coming from the Venda-speaking poeple. “Tsongas are not given the platform to show their ability,” he said.

Chief Samuel Xumalo said everything goes to Thohoyandou and that Malamulele deserves to get its own municipality. Chief Jeffrey Ramovha said he is not supporting the three Tsonga traditional leaders, and he is satisfied with the service he gets from the Thulamela Municipality. There is no need to establish a new municipality in Giyani-Malamulele.

MEC Maite Mokona Mashabane says there is no need to form a new municipality in Malamulele, because the Thulamela Municipality is delivering all the necessary services.

The Premier’s office in Polokwane said there was no need to establish a new municipality, because the Thulamela Municipality is delivering the services.