A Detailed Analysis of South Africa’s Municipal By-Elections: Candidates, Stakes, and Implications

On October 11th, South Africa will hold six municipal ward by-elections across three provinces, with twenty-five candidates from nine different political parties and two independent contenders. This article breaks down the electoral environment in each ward, the candidates competing, and the wider implications of these by-elections. Voter turnout will be a critical factor in determining the success of candidates and parties, and the outcomes could reshape the political landscape in these municipalities and beyond.

On October 11th, 2023, South Africa will experience six municipal ward by-elections across three provinces: Mpumalanga, North West, and the Northern Cape. With twenty-five candidates from nine different political parties, as well as two independent contenders, this article will explore the electoral environment in each ward, the candidates striving for triumph, and the wider repercussions of these by-elections.

Mpumalanga: The Tripartite Struggle in Msukaligwa Municipality

In Ward 13 of Msukaligwa Municipality (MP302), three candidates will compete for the position. Mbalenhle Faith Portia Khumalo from the African Christian Democratic Party (ADCP), Esther Rosa Shabangu of the African National Congress (ANC), and Siphiwe Florence Ngwenya of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) will vie for the ward’s representation. The ANC previously held the seat, which became vacant due to the death of the incumbent councillor. In the 2021 Municipal Elections, the voter turnout for Ward 13 was a mere 26.38%.

North West: A Pair of Crucial Wards in Matlosana Municipality

By-elections will take place in Wards 16 and 17 of Matlosana Municipality (NW403). Four candidates are competing in Ward 16: Dominique Takang from the ANC, Jacqeline-Anne Basson of the Democratic Alliance (DA), Mantshabele Martha Moremi of the EFF, and Lee-Aan Scott from the Vryheidsfront Plus (VF). The DA previously held the seat, which became vacant due to the councillor’s resignation. In the 2021 Municipal Elections, the voter turnout for Ward 16 was a strong 60.77%.

In the same municipality, Ward 17 has a similar competitive atmosphere with four candidates seeking to represent the ward. Phakoe Horizon Moleko from the ANC, Abraham Gerhardus Strydom of the DA, Tshepo Cecil Magome of the EFF, and Chandré De Bruyn from the VF Plus will contest for the position. Like Ward 16, the DA previously occupied this seat, and the resignation of the councillor led to the vacancy. In the 2021 Municipal Elections, the voter turnout for Ward 17 was a healthy 61.66%.

Northern Cape: Numerous Competitors in Siyancuma, Kai !Garib, and Sol Plaatje Municipalities

The by-election in Ward 06 of Siyancuma Municipality (NC078) will see one independent candidate, Kabelo Abram Balepile, competing against two political party candidates: Mabel Gadimelwe Tau from the ANC and Rebaone Clementine Molemo of the EFF. The ANC previously held the seat, which became vacant due to the councillor’s death. In the 2021 Municipal Elections, the voter turnout for Ward 06 was 47.29%.

In the Kai !Garib Municipality (NC082), a crowded field of six candidates will contest Ward 03: Jesica Sarah White from the ANC, Anelma Steenkamp of the DA, Phumudzo Christo Meintjies of the EFF, Lucas Van Rooyen representing Hope for the Future, Laurica Vannesa Rooi of the Municipal Residents Movement, and Gurswin Aldridge Galant from the Patriotic Alliance (PA). The ANC previously represented the ward, and the death of the councillor led to the vacancy. In the 2021 Municipal Elections, the voter turnout for Ward 03 was 60.44%.

Lastly, Ward 01 in the Sol Plaatje Municipality (NC091) will feature one independent candidate, Stoffel Stanley Martins, competing against six political candidates: Gordon David Adams of the ACDP, Osia Mangumbu from the ANC, Mary-Ann Louis Jansen representing Build One South Africa (BOSA), Jocelyn Deltadawn Hart of the DA, Samuel Baatlhodi Mogoje from the EFF, and Johan Loff of the PA. The ANC previously held the seat, which became vacant due to the councillor’s resignation. In the 2021 Municipal Elections, the voter turnout for Ward 01 was 56.38%.

Wider Consequences and Implications

These by-elections serve as a microcosm of South African politics, featuring multiple parties and independent candidates seeking representation in various wards. The outcomes will act as a barometer of the political climate in these provinces and across the country. Voter turnout in each ward will also be a critical factor in determining the success of candidates and parties, as well as a reflection of the electorate’s engagement with the political process.

As the by-elections approach, candidates and their parties will campaign tirelessly to secure victory. The results have the potential to reshape the political landscape in these municipalities and could even have ripple effects throughout the broader South African political arena.

1. When will South Africa hold municipal ward by-elections?

South Africa will hold municipal ward by-elections on October 11th, 2023.

2. How many provinces will hold municipal ward by-elections?

Three provinces will hold municipal ward by-elections: Mpumalanga, North West, and the Northern Cape.

3. How many candidates are competing in the municipal ward by-elections?

There are twenty-five candidates from nine different political parties and two independent contenders competing in the municipal ward by-elections.

4. What is the voter turnout for Ward 13 in Msukaligwa Municipality in the 2021 Municipal Elections?

The voter turnout for Ward 13 in Msukaligwa Municipality in the 2021 Municipal Elections was 26.38%.

5. Which political party previously held the seat in Ward 16 of Matlosana Municipality?

The Democratic Alliance (DA) previously held the seat in Ward 16 of Matlosana Municipality.

6. What is the voter turnout for Ward 17 in Matlosana Municipality in the 2021 Municipal Elections?

The voter turnout for Ward 17 in Matlosana Municipality in the 2021 Municipal Elections was 61.66%.

7. How many candidates are competing in Ward 01 of Sol Plaatje Municipality?

There are one independent candidate and six political candidates competing in Ward 01 of Sol Plaatje Municipality.

8. What are the wider consequences and implications of the municipal ward by-elections?

The outcomes of the municipal ward by-elections will act as a barometer of the political climate in these provinces and across the country. The voter turnout in each ward will also be a critical factor in determining the success of candidates and parties, as well as a reflection of the electorate’s engagement with the political process. The results have the potential to reshape the political landscape in these municipalities and could even have ripple effects throughout the broader South African political arena.