A ROW has erupted between the Modjadji Royal Council and a burial society in the area after allegations that the council wanted to shut down the scheme.

A ROW has erupted between the Modjadji Royal Council and a burial society in the area after allegations that the council wanted to shut down the scheme.

The 600-member Kimolani Burial Society in Bellevue village outside Modjadjiskloof in Limpopo has decided to challenge the decision of the council.

The council has sent a letter to the burial society ordering it to close shop.

The company was also ordered to hand over its assets to the council, including chairs, tents and money.

This apparently follows a spat between the burial society management and local headman Phadole Ramahlo, who is alleged to want to control the scheme.

"Ramahlo appointed his own committee to run the society, and when members challenged this he misrepresented us to the council," said burial society chairperson Mohale Selowa, who was also fined R400.

Members vowed to support Selowa and defy the council.

They have raised money to employ the services of an advocate to fight their case.

Selowa said the burial society was formed in 2004 and bought tents and chairs.

The local chief at the time was Mangwako Ramothwala, aunt of the current headman.

"In January 2006 we asked for a site from our chief to build offices, and she said we should build one in her yard, which we did," Selowa said.

She was succeeded by a man who did things differently.

"He decided to control the burial society, which members opposed. He appointed his own committee, which was also opposed by the members," Selowa said.

When contacted Ramahlo said he had nothing to do with the issue and slammed the phone down.