Fresh from the chaotic regional elective conference that exposed deep-rooted factional battles within the party, the Limpopo ANC Peter Mokaba’s call for unity will come to the test as it is set for a fierce battle with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Polokwane Ward 13 by-elections.

Polokwane Ward 13 is where the EFF leader and Commander-in-Chief Julius Malema comes from and has been run by his party’s councillor following the 2021 local government elections.

Former ANC MP Boy Mamabolo, a nemesis to the City of Polokwane mayor and Peter Mokaba regional chairperson John Mpe, also hails from the same ward.

The ward became vacant in the Polokwane municipal council after the EFF councillor, Matthwes Leballo, was expelled for failing to attend council meetings.

The Mpe-led REC faces the challenge of uniting all party members in the region, especially in Seshego township, to mount a strong campaign to snatch Ward 13 from Julius Malema and his party.

Malema, who commands strong support in his own turf (Seshego Zone 1), will undoubtedly put more effort into helping his party retain the ward.

According to a former EFF provincial leader, who opted not to be named, Malema cannot afford to lose the ward and will do anything to retain it, while the ANC has been eyeing an opportunity to reclaim its authority over the ward.

“Look, the reason why Malema and his wife (Mantoa) are not moving their votes from this ward to where they are staying (Gauteng), is to guard the EFF’s influence in ward 13 and will pull all the stops to retain it.

“This is a very important ward to the EFF and it’s going to be a smackdown between the two parties, as the ANC is eager to take the ward from the EFF and with factions that exist from the party following the regional conference, they are set for a big task, ” the source said

The ANC has already established a Branch Election Team (BET) led by Frans Sekwala to drive the party’s campaign to reclaim Ward 13 in the Polokwane subregion.

Cracks are already showing, as Mamabolo took to his Facebook page to announce plans to establish a parallel BET.

“The legitimate ANC Branch Meeting to establish a BET for Ward 13 By-Elections will be held (Wednesday, 28 May) not the Bogus meeting led by Bob Steak, Mabelebele and Jossie Buthane today. All Members and Supporters are invited,” Mamabolo posted.

The voter registration for the Ward 13 by-elections will take place from 31 May to 1 June 2025.