THE ANC in Limpopo has won back the Polokwane Municipality’s ward 10 in the by-elections.
The by-elections were held in Blood River outside Polokwane on Wednesday, 24 April.
The ward was previously controlled by the EFF, which had won it three consecutive times since 2016. The by-election comes after former EFF councillor, Jacob Seshoka resigned after being charged for the possession of illegal firearms and ammunition in December 2023.
The ward, which has been without a councillor since February, was widely contested by the EFF, ActionSA, MK Party, Economic Liberation Forum of South Africa and Operation Dudula.
There were celebrations among ANC members when the results were announced shortly after midnight as the party won with 53% after getting 1 811 votes.
Willie Madikoto was selected as ward councillor and is expected to be sworn in soon.
ANC Limpopo spokesman Jimmy Machaka said they welcome the outcome. “The results of the by-elections on the eve of the general elections signify that our people resonate well with the ANC’s message of unity and building a better life for all,” he said.
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Machaka said they call on Madikoto to serve the people of ward 10 with humility and selfless dedication. “We express our heartfelt gratitude to all the voters and structures, especially the volunteers and leadership of Peter Mokaba region for their tireless work in ensuring the ANC’s victory in reclaiming the ward,” said Machaka.
SANCO Capricorn region spokesman, Sello Makgahlele congratulated Madikoto on his new role as ward councillor. “We are determined to give him every support he needs to deliver for the people of Ward 10. We call on our people to work hand in glove with him in order to shape things for the better,” he said.
Former EFF provincial chairman, Jossey Buthane, who recently joined the ANC said: “We are the loyal ones. We took ward 10 and brought it back. The impact of the cornerstone is felt naturally and nationally.”
When Daily Sun contacted the EFF Limpopo chairwoman Tshilidzi Maraga for their reaction, she referred the SunTeam to EFF's Godrich Gardee, whose phone rang unanswered.
