Bushbuckridge Local Municipality is accused of dividing the community by supporting certain tribes over others.
Credits: Mapulaneng News
By Duncan Mnisi
Bushbuckridge – Residents are voicing frustration over what they describe as tribal bias and corruption that continue to stall development in the area. Community members accuse local leaders of favoring certain tribes, creating deep divisions and excluding others from key opportunities.
“The only solution we agreed on as Mapulana is to vote them out of power,” said one resident. “They are creating something like a ‘Loxion,’ where RDP houses are given only to their own people. They can’t keep taking everything for their tribe or relatives.”
A common complaint is exclusion from youth development programs. “In Shatale and Madjembeni, we rarely benefit from youth initiatives,” another resident noted.
Concerns over tribal favoritism have even reached provincial leadership. Critics allege that Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu has fueled divisions by prioritizing certain groups. “Ndlovu is accused of dividing the community and enabling tribalism, which causes social unrest,” said a community leader.
Cultural events have also sparked controversy. Local musician and activist Pensele Ubisi, who is organizing a cultural festival set for October 2025, has been accused of promoting tribalism. “The organizers are accused of dividing Bushbuckridge further,” a community leader said.
Corruption is another recurring grievance. Residents allege that tenders are routinely awarded to relatives and associates of leaders rather than to deserving local businesses. “They give tenders to their children and friends, instead of improving our facilities,” complained one resident.
Community leaders point to official findings that back up these concerns. “In April 2025, the Public Protector released a report revealing maladministration and corrupt hiring practices. Six senior officials are now facing disciplinary action,” a resident leader explained.
The crisis also affects essential services. Health and education facilities such as Tintswalo Hospital and Mapulaneng TVET College remain poorly maintained, while water and basic healthcare access are unreliable. “These failures undermine our constitutional rights,” a resident stressed.
“If tribalism is not addressed, it could create serious socio-economic challenges for Bushbuckridge and Mpumalanga as a whole,” one community member warned.
For now, the community awaits action. The Bushbuckridge Local Municipality has yet to respond to the allegations, but residents remain hopeful that by speaking out, they can bring about fair and inclusive development for all.
