The African National Congress (ANC) in Limpopo has retained a municipal ward up for grabs in a bi-election to replace a councillor who died in June, sparking jubilation among the party’s faithful.
In September, the Blouberg Ward 11 bi-elections had three candidates: Mokgadi Jennet Molokomme, representing the ANC, Mamoloko Jacoline Mokakabi, representing the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP), and Ntshabeng Ingrid Rakimane, representing the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
Because the percentage of voters who participated in the municipal elections for this ward in 2021 was 51.29 percent, the ANC launched a vigorous campaign that included visiting the family of the late Councillor Patrick Baloyi, who had passed away in June, paving the way for the bi-election.
At one time, Baloyi served as the Chief Whip of the Council at the Capricorn District Municipality.
The mayor of the district, Mamedupi Teffo, said that Baloyi made important contributions to the district’s growth due to his love for education, community development, caring for the elderly, youth programs, and those without jobs.
Since 2010, Baloyi has been a member of the district council. He was also chosen as the MMC for Sports, Arts, and Culture during that period. After that, he was named Chief Whip of the Council, a post he maintained until 2014.
In addition to this, he presided over meetings of the Whippery and Caucus Committees, and he was also instrumental in guiding the previous Council in the proper direction, which allowed it to reach acceptable resolutions and put into effect policies currently advantageous to the organization.
ANC provincial secretary Reuben Madadzhe expressed delight at the organization’s retaining the ward, winning with 64.84 percent of the vote.
He stated that the party considered these results as evidence of its commitment to unifying and revitalizing the ANC as well as improving the lives of people in South Africa.
“The by-election results clearly demonstrate that the ANC continues to be the hope for many South Africans. Our commitment to uniting and renewing the ANC and our dedication to improving the lives of our people, resonates well with the electorate.
“The by-elections for Ward 11 occurred as the ANC is in the second phase of its 2024 election preparations and during a period when the ANC is publicly accounting for its 2019 manifesto commitments. Therefore, these outcomes will serve as a baseline as we prepare for the 2024 national and provincial elections,” he said.
The ANC has conveyed its appreciation to the voters for the confidence they have placed in the party and to its members, volunteers, and traditional leadership for their assistance.
Molokomme, recently elected to the position of ANC Councillor, was urged to improve service delivery to the residents of Ward 11 while maintaining dignity and humility.
“We will accelerate service delivery to demonstrate that we are a party that cares for our people and will at all times ensure that their needs come first,” said Molokomme.
