Municipal By-Elections on 23 August 2023: A Close Look at Contenders and Constituencies

On the 23rd of August 2023, five municipal ward by-elections will be held in South Africa. The Eastern Cape, Gauteng, and North West provinces will witness these elections. The by-elections are significant as they involve 14 candidates representing seven political parties and one independent candidate.

Eastern Cape Province

Three wards in the Eastern Cape province will hold by-elections. The Dr. AB Xuma Municipality (previously Engcobo Municipality) – EC137 will witness a contest between two candidates for Ward 08. The African National Congress (ANC) will be represented by Nondumiso Qakaza-Sishuba, while Sinazo Mbayeka will be representing the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). The ANC previously held this ward and aims to retain it following the resignation of their councillor. In the 2021 Municipal Elections, the ward had a 50.54% voter turnout.

Ward 12 of the Dr. AB Xuma Municipality – EC137 will witness a similar scenario. Zuzeka Vivashe of the ANC and Nopasika Mandulo of the EFF will go head-to-head. The ANC aims to keep their position following the resignation of their previous councillor. The 2021 Municipal Elections witnessed a 48.98% voter turnout for this ward.

The Enoch Mgijima Municipality – EC139 will host a by-election for Ward 29. Four candidates, including an independent candidate, Solomzi Johnson Lose, will compete for this ward. The ANC’s candidate is Mathwell Mbulelo Jacobs, the EFF’s candidate is Lunga Gagayi, and the Independents will be represented by Ndoyisile Joja. The death of the ANC councillor left this ward vacant, and the 2021 elections reported a 43.26% voter turnout.

Gauteng Province

Ward 102 in the City of Johannesburg Municipality – JHB, is being contested by four candidates. The ANC will be represented by Mboshwa Zephaniah Thwala, the Democratic Alliance (DA) by Lucinda Jane Harman, the EFF by Bernadictor Mini, and the Organic Humanity Movement by Matthew William Pienaar. The DA previously held this ward, but the resignation of their councillor necessitated the by-election. In the 2021 Municipal Elections, Ward 102 observed a 53.62% voter turnout.

North West Province

Ward 25 in the Madibeng Municipality – NW372, witnesses competition between three candidates. The ANC’s candidate is Beauty Nteseng Mogale, the EFF’s candidate is Kabelo Abel Molwantwa, and the Save Madibeng Party will be represented by Boy-Boy Prince Mpaane. The death of the ANC councillor resulted in a vacancy in this ward, where the 2021 Municipal Elections recorded a 39.41% voter turnout.

These municipal by-elections provide insights into the shifting loyalties and preferences of voters, making them of paramount importance to the political landscape of South Africa. The candidates from various parties compete to win the trust of their constituents and make a lasting impact on their communities. Each ward’s unique situation provides a microcosm of the diverse political and social landscape in South Africa. These by-elections are a testament to the ever-evolving political landscape and the ongoing quest for progress, better governance, and improved living standards for the South African people.

As the candidates gear up for their respective campaigns, the eyes of the nation will be on the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, and the North West provinces, eagerly awaiting the outcome of these crucial by-elections.