Cape Town – The African National Congress (ANC) emerged as the leading party in the Thabazimbi local municipality by-elections, securing 10 out of 12 ward seats with 39.65% of the vote.
Despite this victory, the council remains hung, requiring a coalition for governance.
The by-elections, prompted by the dissolution of the municipality due to corruption and service delivery failures, saw 405 candidates from 21 parties and five independents vying for 24 council seats. Over 51,000 registered voters participated, with 19,812 casting ballots across 57 polling stations.
Another hung council in Thabazimbi, Limpopo. The ANC is the leading party after winning ten wards in the by-elections. But that is not enough to give them outright majority to govern the municipality. #eNCA #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/EdnyYiNECm
— eNCA (@eNCA) December 5, 2024
The Democratic Alliance (DA) came second with 16.41% (4 seats), followed by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) with 13.32% (3 seats).
The South African Labour Party and Freedom Front Plus secured two seats each, while the uMkhonto weSizwe Party and Thabazimbi Residents Association won one seat each.
Thabazimbi by-election results as it appears on the IEC dashboard #sabcnews
The council remains hung with the African National Congress (ANC) dropping to 39.65% (10 seats) from 47.4% (11) in 2021. pic.twitter.com/mkCgbwYCjb— Maswele Ralebona ll (@MasweleRalebona) December 5, 2024
This election marks a decline for the ANC, which had previously secured 47% of the vote in 2021 but failed to achieve a majority.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
