Frank Maponya

Political intolerance has once again reared its ugly head ahead of the ANC Limpopo's provincial conference in July.

At the centre of the row is the deep-rooted difference of opinion between supporters of present ANC provincial chairman and premier Sello Moloto and secretary Cassel Mathale.

While Moloto has made it clear that he will stand for the chairmanship again, Mathale's supporters want him to challenge Moloto for the position.

"Whoever wins will surely have his gods to thank because it will be a closely contested affair," an insider said.

An ANC regional general meeting yesterday almost turned ugly when supporters of the two leaders threatened to exchange blows at Nirvana Hall.

When Sowetan arrived at the venue yesterday afternoon, the two groups were hurling insults at one another.

The situation became so tense that even the intervention of the province's political heavyweights failed to quell the tension that prevailed at the venue.

Both factions were clad in T-shirts bearing the pictures of their preferred candidates.

But calm was restored after the arrival of the police, who were summoned as a last resort.

An ANC member at the venue, who asked for anonymity, said members of the Mathale group, who are also supporters of ANC president Jacob Zuma, started the fracas by insulting the other group.

He said the pro-Moloto group only acted in retaliation.

"The problem is that members of the Zuma camp are not willing to accommodate other people whenever there is a matter connected to the ANC," the informant said.

"This leaves the other group with no option but to retaliate."

But the pro-Mathale group scoffed at the allegations.