A sitting of the KwaZulu-Natal legislature in Newcastle got off to a dramatic start with tempers flaring between the IFP and ANC supporters, the Mercury newspaper reported on Wednesday.

The stand-off started when Amajuba district Mayor Mkhulu Mlangeni made his welcoming remarks on Tuesday. He accused local government MEC Mike Mabuyakhulu of being heavy-handed in dealing with issues affecting municipalities within his jurisdiction.

Mlangeni suggested that this was motivated by the fact that Amajuba was run by the IFP. He also launched a tirade at social development MEC Meshack Radebe, charging that he had not consulted the municipality when delivering social grants.

Mabuyakhulu in his response accused the Amajuba municipality of poor administration and abusing credits cards. His comments angered a group of IFP supporters, who began protesting. This triggered an altercation between supporters of the two parties which lasted for about 30 minutes. Police intervened when the crowd began wielding chairs.

The sitting continues on Wednesday.

Sapa