ANC wins two byelections

Meeko says victory is sign of growing ANC popularity among voters

The ANC this week reasserted its dominance in two wards in the Thabo Mofutsanyana region in two by-elections in the Maluti-a-Phofung and Mantsopa Local Municipalities, a development the party said was further confirmation of its overwhelming popularity with voters ahead of ahead of the local government elections in 2016.

The ruling party retained ward 14 in Maluti-a-Phofung with an impressive 92.82 percent of the total vote, while DPSA – which is the main opposition in that particular region – managed to get 7.18 percent of the vote.

The ANC posted another resounding victory in Mantsopa’s ward eight, garnering 63.64 percent of the total vote, while the DA received a low 36.36 percent.

Councillor’s Matsebetsebe Mhlambi and Lefa Moletsane will preside over ward 14 and eight respectively, with ANC provincial spokesperson, Thabo Meeko, stating that the party was pleased with the by-election outcome.

“The ANC congratulates Comrade Matsebetsebe Mhlambi and Comrade Lefa Moletsane on their elections into the Councils of Maluti-a-Phofung and Mantsopa respectively. The ANC wishes them well in the execution of their mandates as given by the people.

Meeko told The Weekly that he was confident about the ANC prospects in next year’s local government elections, which are just a few months away.

“This is a true reflection of how things will perform in next year’s polls. The ANC wishes to thank all the people of ward 14, Maluti-a-Phofung and ward eight, Mantsopa, for having exercised their democratic right and for showing confidence in the movement,” he added.

ANC Thabo Mofutsanyana regional chairperson, Mbothoma Maduna, echoed Meeko’s sentiments but warned against complacency ahead of next year’s polls.

“We have to start working hard for the

coming local government election because the competition is going to be among more opposition parties unlike by elections where some have lost interest.

“(However) this shows that citizens still recognise ANC as their party to lead them despite the challenges that we have on service delivery.”

The by-elections were held as a result of the unfortunate passing of ANC Councillors Mary Sehlako Sebotsa who led Maluti-a- Phofung and Mantsopa.