THE National African Federated Chamber of Commerce is in a shambles.

THE National African Federated Chamber of Commerce is in a shambles.

Two factions of the national executive committee of Nafcoc pitched up yesterday at the organisation's head office in Rivonia, Johannesburg, and fought over who should occupy the premises.

There was drama as one group barricaded itself inside to prevent the other from coming in. The group inside the building even used bouncers to keep their "enemies" out.

The police had to be called in to try and restore order.

Trouble at Nafcoc started early this year when the executive was split over the distribution of shares from the organisation's investment arm, Nafhold.

Animosity deepened when dissatisfied members of the executive passed a motion of no confidence in president Buhle Mthethwa, who was not present at the meeting last week. She has since declared that meeting unconstitutional.

Lawrence Mavundla was last week elected president in her absence.

Yesterday Mthethwa and her committee wanted to enter the building to address the media, but were forced to hold the briefing outside.

"We are dealing with thugs here. They changed the locks and now we cannot go in," Mthethwa said, adding that she was still the Nafcoc president.

While outside, Mthethwa tried to call ANCYL president Julius Malema and Gauteng safety and security MEC Khabisi Mosunkutu, hoping to get them to intervene.

She accused the new leadership of corruption and mismanagement of funds.

"They held a group meeting and decided to elect a new leadership without my consent as president of the organisation and that of the federal council," Mthethwa said.

She accused Nafhold office bearers of siphoning off funds to foreign countries and bribing constituents across provinces.

Mthethwa said Nafhold directors needed to be investigated and added that Sars and the Hawks had been requested to probe the claims.

Mavundla told the media last week that affiliate members had no confidence in Mthethwa and her executive committee.

Mavundla's deputy Steve Skosana yesterday labelled Mthethwa a "liar".

He said Nafhold office bearers, including chief executive Michael Leaf, should be commended for the "good work done".

He said the constitution, ratified last year in November, has a clause that prevented the president from earning a salary.

"Mthethwa has a problem with that. But the constituents have spoken. She and her committee have been voted out," Skosana said.