It seems as if there is a power struggle and misunderstanding between the regional chairperson of the South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco), Musanda Vho-Progress Muyahavho Kutama, and his outspoken provincial organising secretary, Mr James Malambani Delekisa.

This came to light when the regional chairperson, Musanda Vho-Kutama, allegedly relaunched a Sanco branch at the village four months after Delekisa launched a civic structure on May 20, this year, at the same village.

Kutama's new branch was launched on September 3 at Bele Primary School.

The term of a legitimate and democratically elected Sanco branch is one year, according to the assistant provincial secretary of Sanco, Mr Seleka Raphukhula. He said that the legitimate civic structure at Vuvha is the one launched by Delekisa.

“Delekisa is still the regional organising secretary of Sanco in Vhembe and part of his responsibilities is to organise and launch more Sanco branches. He must do that in consultation with the regional chairperson,” he said.

Raphukula said that it is against Sanco's constitution to launch a new branch before the term of the existing structure expires. “We will visit the village in order to find out why the regional chairperson suddenly came to launch a new branch,” said Raphukhula.

In the structure launched by Delekisa, Mr Is Madzivhe was elected as the chairperson, while Mr Joseph Neguyuni was elected as his assistant. Ms Rudzani Tshidzumba was elected as the minutes secretary, with Nthatheni Masonono as her assistant. Khathutshelo Matshidza was elected as the branch treasurer, while Ndiafhi Maemu was elected as organising secretary.

In the new branch formed by Kutama, Mr FN Madzhiga was elected as the chairperson, who will be assisted by Mr Albert Nembulu. Mrs Alinah Mukwevho was elected as the secretary, with Nthambeleni Murada as her assistant. Mr David Netshiombo was elected as branch treasurer, while Mr AT Madilonga was elected as the branch’s organising secretary.

In a letter dated September 4, the structure launched by Delekisa threatens to take legal steps against Kutama. “Realising that the branch was relaunched, we decided to claim our relaunching expenses, which in total are R6 065 - R4 500 for catering, R1 020 for registration, R245 for the stamp and R300 for transporting chairs and tables. We are putting it to you as the hounourable Sanco leadership who victimised us, that the case must be heard in court or we must be refunded,” reads part of the letter in which Delekisa is reffered to as the Provincial chairperson of Sanco. When contacted to comment, the provincial organising secretary, Mr James Delekisa, declined to do so.

In his reponse to the Sanco structure that is accusing him of victimising their branch, Musanda Vho-Progress Kutama indicated that he did not relaunch the branch, but instead, he dissolved the leadership of the branch, since he deemed it necessary after consultation with the branch membership and the sub-regional leadership in accordance with the Sanco constitution. “I was an ex-officio member on the date in question. No one should own the organisation,” he said.

Kutama said that the amount of R4 500 for catering is regarded as a misappropriation by Sanco. He said that the amount of R1 020 for registration is for membership, not for registration as claimed by members of the dissolved structure.

“A member of Sanco is a person who has applied for and was accepted as a paid-up member of Sanco. South Africans over 18 years old may apply for membership. The fee is not paid in order to reserve or buy a position in Sanco,” he said.

Kutama said that the Sanco stamp cost R162,50, not R245 and it is not made by Sanco, but by a private company. He said that because Sanco is a community-based structure, it can be launched at headmen’s kraals, tribal councils, schools, as well as in community halls and that the R300 for transport is regarded as a misappropriation.

“The letter does not prove victimisation by the Sanco leadership. An office-bearer of Sanco cannot be held legally liable if he acted within his or her duties. If they sue Sanco, they will be suing their own organisation. Their consistent indiscipline and factional activities can no longer be tolerated; these acts must be seen as behaving in a manner calculated to bring Sanco into disrepute, which shall constitute misconduct,” said Kutama. He said that at Vuvha, the only legal Sanco branch is the one which was launched recently.