The ANC in Limpopo is elated that the governing party managed to retain a municipal ward that was up for grabs in a by-election to replace a councillor who died in June.
Three candidates contested this week’s Blouberg ward 11 by-election – Mokgadi Jennet Molokomme who represented the ANC, Mamoloko Jacoline Mokakabi from the African Christian Democratic Party, and Ntshabeng Ingrid Rakimane who stood for the EFF.
In light of the fact that the percentage of voters who participated in municipal elections for the ward in 2021 was 51.29%, the ANC launched a vigorous campaign that included visiting the family of the late councillor Patrick Baloyi, who passed away in June.
Baloyi previously served as chief whip of council at the Capricorn district municipality.
The mayor of the district, Mamedupi Teffo, said Baloyi made an important contribution to the growth of the district, citing his love for education, community development, caring for the elderly, youth programmes, and those without jobs.
He had been a member of the district council since 2010.
During that period, he was chosen as the MMC for sport, arts and culture. Soon after that, Baloyi was named chief whip of the council, a post he held until 2014.
In addition to this, he presided over meetings of the whippery and caucus committees, and was instrumental in guiding the previous council in the proper direction, allowing it to reach acceptable resolutions and put into effect policies that were advantageous to the ANC.
ANC provincial secretary Reuben Madadzhe expressed delight at the organisation’s success in retaining the ward, which it won by 64.84% of the vote.
He stated that the party considered these results as evidence of its commitment to unifying and revitalising the ANC, as well as improving people’s lives.
“The by-election results clearly demonstrate that the ANC continues to be the hope for many South Africans,” said Madadzhe.
“Our commitment to uniting and renewing the ANC, as well as our dedication to improving the lives of our people, resonate well with the electorate.
“The by-election for ward 11 occurred as the ANC is in the second phase of its 2024 election preparations, and during a period when it is publicly accounting for its 2019 manifesto commitments.
“Therefore, these outcomes will serve as a baseline as we prepare for the 2024 national and provincial elections.”
The ANC conveyed its appreciation to voters for the confidence they placed in the party, as well as to its members, volunteers, and traditional leadership for their assistance.
Molokomme, who was elected ANC councillor recently, was urged to improve service delivery in ward 11 while maintaining dignity and humility.
“We will accelerate service delivery to demonstrate that we are a party that cares for our people, and will at all times ensure that their needs come first,” said Molokomme.
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