The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Limpopo has accused the ANC of attempting to sabotage its upcoming 13th anniversary celebrations by organising a Mandela Day event at a nearby stadium.
The party further says the ANC failed to comply with key safety and administrative requirements.
The party claims the ANC’s planned programme at Makwarela Stadium, a short distance from Thohoyandou Stadium where the EFF expects to host about 30 000 supporters this Saturday, amounts to “political intolerance” and could endanger the lives of community members.
The ANC in Limpopo is scheduled to host a Mandela Legacy Rally where provincial chairperson Dr Phophi Ramathuba is expected to deliver the keynote address.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the EFF alleged the ANC only organised the event after learning that the red berets would be celebrating the party’s anniversary in Thohoyandou.
“The ANC desperately initiated a Mandela Day programme at Makwarela Stadium on a similar date without following relevant safety processes, including the Joint Operations Committee (JOC),” the party said.
The EFF further questioned whether the ANC had formally secured the venue and alleged that no payment had been made for the use of the stadium.
According to the party, the event had failed to comply with several safety requirements, including site inspections, public liability insurance, the appointment of a safety officer and the submission of safety plans and files.
The party also claimed Makwarela Stadium lacked adequate water and ablution facilities and required extensive maintenance, describing it as a potential health hazard.
“There is no water, ablution facilities and the stadium itself is a health hazard to our people as it requires aggressive maintenance,” the statement read.
The EFF called on the municipality and relevant authorities to ensure that all legal and safety requirements are complied with before the event proceeds.
“We call upon the municipality and relevant authorities to protect, defend and respect the lives of our people and ensure all necessary processes are followed without fear or favour.”
The party also alleged that residents who had been temporarily accommodated at Makwarela Stadium after their homes were demolished had been hastily relocated to make way for the ANC event.
It claimed the relocation formed part of broader attempts to frustrate the EFF’s activities in the province.
“All the above non-compliance is done as an attempt to make Vhembe a no-go area for the EFF. Such an act amounts to political intolerance, immaturity and borders on recklessness,” the party said.
The allegations come ahead of what is expected to be one of the EFF’s largest gatherings ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
The party is expected to launch its election manifesto during Saturday’s celebrations and unveil its mayoral candidates for metropolitan municipalities and key cities.
The event is expected to draw at least 30 000 members and supporters to Thohoyandou Stadium.