EFF Holds Strong! Malema's Party Wins Key By-Election in Polokwane!
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), led by Julius Malema, has secured a significant victory by retaining Ward 13 in Polokwane during a recent by-election. The EFF candidate, Mongatane Ramaphoko, won with 966 votes, solidifying the party's hold on the ward. This victory is particularly noteworthy as Ward 13 is Malema's home ward in Seshego.
The by-election was triggered by the expulsion of the previous EFF councillor, Mafiwa Leballo, for failing to attend council meetings. Malema himself actively campaigned for Ramaphoko in Seshego throughout the week, demonstrating the importance of this ward to the EFF.
Celebrations erupted following the announcement of the results, with Malema leading jubilant supporters in song and dance. The EFF had invested considerable resources and effort into retaining the ward, which they initially won from the African National Congress (ANC) in 2016.
The ANC, despite matching the EFF's campaigning efforts, came in second place with 2,404 votes. However, the election proved particularly disappointing for the ANC's alliance partner, the South African Communist Party (SACP). This was the first election in which the SACP contested independently from the ANC, following a resolution at their congress. The SACP candidate received a mere 1% of the vote, translating to only 70 votes.
The Ward 13 by-election was intensely contested, with several parties vying for the position, including the EFF, ANC, SACP, Labour Party, and All Citizens Party. Over 9,000 residents registered to vote, highlighting the significance of the election to the local community. The results signal a shift in the political landscape and underscore the EFF's growing influence in the region.
Malema, after casting his vote, expressed confidence in the EFF's ability to retain the ward, emphasizing the party's commitment to serving the people. The SACP candidate, Obed Thabana, explained the party's decision to contest independently, stating that while they previously believed the ANC was best suited to lead the national democratic revolution, they now feel the SACP is necessary to lead the struggle towards socialism.