ANC Wins Thabazimbi Local Municipality By-Elections
The African National Congress (ANC) secured a majority vote in the recent by-elections held in the Thabazimbi Local Municipality, Limpopo, solidifying its position as the leading party in the region. However, the results revealed a hung council, underscoring the complexities of coalition politics in South Africa.
A Contested Election Amidst Political Uncertainty
The by-elections were prompted by the dissolution of the Thabazimbi Local Municipality, leaving all council seats vacant. Over 51,000 registered voters were eligible to cast their ballots across 57 voting stations on election day. With 405 candidates from 21 political parties and five independents vying for 24 council seats, the stakes were high.
According to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), 19,812 people participated, yielding a voter turnout of approximately 40%.
Election Results: ANC Wins Thabazimbi and Takes the Lead
The ANC garnered 43.48% of the vote, translating to 10 council seats. The Democratic Alliance (DA) secured 17.39% and earned four seats, while the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) claimed three seats with 13.04%.
Other notable results included:
- Labour Party of South Africa and Freedom Front Plus (FF+): 2 seats each (8.7%).
- uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party and Thabazimbi Residents Association (TRA): 1 seat each.
Despite its majority win, the ANC fell short of an outright majority, continuing the trend of hung councils in South Africa.
Coalition Politics: A Persistent Challenge
The by-elections failed to resolve the governance challenges that led to the municipality’s dissolution. The ANC, DA, EFF, and smaller parties now face the task of forming a functional coalition to govern the region.
IEC Limpopo’s Nkaro Mateta emphasized the ongoing challenges:
“None of these political parties obtained 50+1%. We still have a hung council in Thabazimbi.”
This outcome mirrors the 2021 local government elections, where the ANC won 11 of 12 wards but lacked a majority with 47% of the vote. The DA then formed a coalition with smaller parties to assume control.
Community Concerns Remain
Residents of Thabazimbi expressed mixed reactions to the results. Many remain concerned about persistent issues such as:
- Water shortages.
- Sewerage spillages.
- Uncollected waste.
- Gravel roads riddled with potholes.
- Unemployment.
Tshepo Molewa, a resident from Regorogile Township, commented:
“These problems will persist as long as Thabazimbi is run by a coalition government.”
The Path Forward
The elected councillors are set to be sworn in during the first council sitting, where key positions, including mayor and speaker, will be determined. The ANC will likely need to negotiate coalition agreements to secure leadership roles and govern effectively.
EFF Celebrates and Criticizes
The EFF celebrated its three-seat gain, with Limpopo chair Lawrence Mapoulo criticizing the ANC’s governance. He accused the ANC of prioritizing personal gain over community welfare, saying:
“The ANC dissolved this municipality out of desperation… Their game plan failed.”
Broader Implications
The rise of hung councils across South Africa highlights growing voter dissatisfaction and the fragmentation of political power. The number of hung councils increased from 29 in 2000 to 82 in 2021, making coalition governance an increasingly common, albeit challenging, reality.
The Thabazimbi by-elections underscore the evolving dynamics of South Africa’s local politics. While the ANC emerged as the leading party, the persistence of a hung council reflects the complexities of coalition politics and the need for collaborative governance. For Thabazimbi’s residents, the hope remains that elected leaders will prioritize addressing the community’s pressing needs over political rivalry.
