The Thabazimbi Local Municipality in Limpopo is facing uncertainty following Wednesday’s by-elections, as no party managed to secure an outright majority. The African National Congress (ANC) emerged as the leading party, garnering 39.65% of the votes and securing 10 council seats. However, this fell short of the 12 seats required to govern independently.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) came in second with 16.41% of the votes, earning four seats, while the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) secured three seats with 13.32% of the votes. Smaller parties also made gains, with the Labour Party of South Africa and Freedom Front Plus (FF+) each winning two seats, and the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party and Thabazimbi Residents Association (TRA) claiming one seat each.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa’s provincial officer for Limpopo, Nkaro Mateta, stated that voter turnout was just 38.55% and the municipality would remain hung. The outcome necessitates political parties to engage in negotiations to form coalitions for functional governance. This uncertainty leaves the municipality vulnerable to the instability that has plagued it since 2016.
Thabazimbi has faced governance challenges for years, with infighting, financial mismanagement, and service delivery failures plaguing the council. The municipality was previously hung in 2021, leading to a DA-led coalition taking control despite the ANC securing 47% of the vote.
The council’s dysfunction resulted in staff going unpaid for months and the municipality accumulating significant debt to Eskom and Magalies Water. The situation prompted intervention from Limpopo’s provincial government and the National Council of Provinces, placing the municipality under administration in October under Section 139 of the Constitution.
The by-election was highly contested, with 400 candidates from 21 parties and five independents vying for seats. The ANC, DA, EFF, and MK Party fielded candidates in all 12 wards, highlighting the importance of the election.
The aftermath of the by-election underscores the need for political parties to work together to ensure effective governance and address the longstanding issues that have plagued Thabazimbi. The road ahead will require cooperation, compromise, and a commitment to serving the municipality and its residents.
