Allegations of Tribal Bias Stir Tensions in Bushbuckridge

Accusations of tribal favouritism and unequal service delivery have resurfaced in Bushbuckridge, with some residents claiming that government projects are being channelled to benefit Tsonga-speaking communities at the expense of Mapulana.

In a strongly worded statement shared by a community member, several development projects were cited as examples of alleged bias. These include the closure of Mapulaneng College, which was replaced by a TVET college in Acornhoek, as well as the construction and renovation of stadiums in Thulamahashe and Acornhoek, while facilities in Paulianah and Shatale remain neglected.

Concerns were also raised over a water project currently under way in Acornhoek, while areas such as VT and Majembeni continue to face shortages. Additionally, more than 1,000 RDP houses are reportedly being built in Ximungwe and Tsuvulani, with none allocated to Mapulana families.

“The only solution we agreed on as Mapulana is to vote them out of power,” the community member said in an interview. “They are forming something like a ‘Loxion’ where RDP houses will only be awarded to their people. They need to share equal opportunities or services. They can’t take everything to their tribe or relatives.”

The individual stressed that tribalism, in their view, was the root cause of these problems, with corruption following closely behind. “If they didn’t want their relatives to benefit from the TVET, why didn’t they just convert Mapulaneng College instead of moving it closer to their own communities?” they asked.

These remarks have sparked debate in Bushbuckridge, where relations between Tsonga and Mapulana communities are often strained by questions of equity in development. Residents have long called for fairness in the allocation of resources and accountability from local leaders.

At the time of publishing, the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality had not responded to the allegations.

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