An Overview of the 27 September 2023 Municipal By-elections

On 27 September 2023, municipal ward by-elections will be held in the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and North West, South Africa. A total of twelve candidates from six distinct political parties will compete in these by-elections, each striving for a victorious result.

KwaZulu-Natal: uMhlathuze Municipality’s Ward 13 By-election

Within the uMhlathuze Municipality of KwaZulu-Natal, voters will observe three candidates competing for a position in Ward 13. The candidates are Thandeka Ntombiyombuso Makutshwa from the African National Congress (ANC), Lucky Madala Nzima from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and Sibusiso Ndunakazi from the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP). The previous councillor, an ANC member, stepped down, leaving the seat open. In the 2021 Municipal Elections, the voter turnout for this ward was 51.50%.

Limpopo: Blouberg Municipality’s Ward 11 By-election

The Blouberg Municipality in Limpopo will experience a similar event, with three candidates contesting for a position in Ward 11. The participants are Mamoloko Jacoline Mokakabi from the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP), Mokgadi Jennet Molokomme from the ANC, and Ntshabeng Ingrid Rakimane from the EFF. The ward was previously represented by the ANC, but the councillor’s unexpected death left the seat vacant. In the 2021 Municipal Elections, 51.29% of registered voters in this ward engaged in the voting process.

North West: Madibeng Municipality’s Ward 03 By-election

In the North West province, the Madibeng Municipality will host two candidates battling for the Ward 03 seat. Keaobaka Remembrance Sefike from the ANC and Simon Sello Tsheko Moche from the EFF are the individuals competing in this by-election. The ward, once under the ANC’s governance, is now open owing to the councillor’s demise. The 2021 Municipal Elections recorded a 52.24% voter turnout in this ward.

North West: Maquassi Hills Municipality’s Ward 03 By-election

The final by-election will take place in the Maquassi Hills Municipality, also in the North West province. In this instance, four candidates will contest for the Ward 03 seat. The competitors are Mpho Marvin Selete from the Active African Christians United Movement (AACUM), Kediemetse Comenth Lefera from the ANC, Lehlohonolo Metoa from the EFF, and Kgomotso Diponge Lebese from the Patriotic Alliance (PA). Similar to the other three wards, this seat became available due to the councillor’s death. The previous councillor was an ANC member, and the 2021 Municipal Elections saw a turnout of 47.87% in this ward.

South Africans eagerly anticipate these municipal by-elections, with the expectation of a fair and transparent democratic process. The contested wards exhibited varied voter turnouts in the previous election cycle, and it is uncertain if these by-elections will produce a higher participation rate. With a diverse roster of candidates representing various political parties, the residents of these communities have the chance to voice their opinions at the polls.

The Electoral Commission is working diligently to ensure a seamless voting process and delivers crucial information to the public through its spokesperson, Kate Bapela. For media interviews, requests can be submitted to spokesperson@elections.org.za.

Despite the ongoing challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, South Africans demonstrate determination and commitment to their democratic rights. These by-elections act as a testament to the nation’s dedication to upholding democratic principles and facilitating citizen involvement in critical decision-making processes. As the candidates continue their campaigns and the electoral body guarantees a transparent voting experience, South Africa advances in its quest for a just and equitable society.