The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have retained Ward 13 in Polokwane,  the home ward of party leader Julius Malema, in a recent by-election, defeating both the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP).

EFF candidate Mongatane Ramaphoko was re-elected with 3,370 votes, securing a majority of 57.34%. 

Malema spent the week campaigning in his hometown of Seshego in support of Ramaphoko.

The ANC’s candidate, Mokgadi Boloko, came in second with 2,404 votes, amounting to just over 40% of the total. 

The SACP, which was contesting independently of the ANC for the first time in the province, received only 70 votes, representing just 1%.

Potego Cyril Shadung of the All Citizens Party garnered 23 votes (0.39%), while Thabang Jeremia Mathiba of the Labour Party of South Africa received 10 votes (0.17%).

Out of 11,704 registered voters, 5,877 valid votes were cast.

There were 39 spoiled ballots, making the total number of votes 5,916.

The EFF maintains control of the ward it wrested from the ANC in 2016.

Meanwhile, Ramaphoko takes over the reins from his fellow party member, Mafiwa Leballo, who was shown the door by the Polokwane council for his constant failure to attend meetings.

Leballo was expelled by the council this year.

“The EFF retains Ward 13 in Seshego, Polokwane, reaffirming the people’s unwavering confidence in the leadership of the organisation.” 

“This victory is a testament to the trust the community places in the EFF to champion their struggles and deliver genuine change on the ground,” the party said in a social media post.

Polokwane is facing service delivery issues, including, shortage of water, waste management, poor infrastructure, illegal electricity connections, among others.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL Politics

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