South Sudanese community leader Ring Mayar.

A leader of Victoria's South Sudanese community has claimed he was bashed in a politically motivated attack, amid a growing rift within the community and a government freeze on funding.

Under siege from the Turnbull Government and grappling with the tragic death of a South Sudanese teenager in Melbourne's CBD over the weekend, Ring Mayar, chairman of the South Sudanese Community Association of Victoria (SSCAV), has alleged he was hit with a metal pole by another community member.

Mr Mayar declined to comment on the assault, but said it was under investigation. Other sources said the matter was being probed by Victoria Police.

An SMS obtained by Fairfax Media reveals that Mr Mayar claims he was attacked by an "unknown South Sudanese male" and required surgery at St Vincent's Hospital for a broken collarbone.