Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Wayne Sussman
Published on 2024-02-29 06:38:06
Ward 4 (eMbalenhle) in Govan Mbeki in Gert Sibande, Mpumalanga, is a significant area in South Africa with a political landscape that saw the African National Congress (ANC) emerge as the dominant party in the 2021 local government elections. eMbalenhle is located west of Secunda, along the R546 road connecting Kinross to Charl Cilliers, where Zulu is the predominant language spoken. The region, also encompassing Bethal and Leandra, falls under the Gert Sibande district of Mpumalanga, known as the Highveld Ridge.
During the 2021 elections, the ANC faced stiff competition from an independent candidate in Ward 4, with the ANC securing 51% of the votes while the independent candidate garnered close to one-third of the votes. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) followed closely with 18%. On the proportional representation (PR) ballot, the ANC maintained its lead over the EFF by 30%, with the Democratic Alliance (DA) securing third place on the PR ballot with 7%.
The ANC experienced a slight setback in Govan Mbeki, declining from 36 to 26 seats out of a total of 63 council seats, losing its outright majority. The DA saw a growth from 15 to 17 seats, while the EFF expanded its presence from nine to 13 seats. The Freedom Front Plus (FF+), Azania Resident Party (ARP), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), and African Transformation Movement (ATM) also secured seats in the municipality.
To maintain governance, the ANC formed an alliance with the EFF in the municipality. However, a by-election was held following the unfortunate assassination of the incumbent ward councillor, Simphiwe Sindelo, alongside ward committee member FA Nogwanya. Various parties contested the by-election, including the ANC, EFF, Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party, IFP, Singukukhanya Kwezwe Christian Party (SKCP), and Truth and Solidarity Movement (TRUTH).
The ANC emerged victorious in the by-election, defeating the MK Party by 244 votes. The EFF, MK, and other parties also competed for votes, with MK showing promise in its debut in Mpumalanga. TRUTH, on the other hand, had a disappointing performance with zero votes received. The next round of by-elections, scheduled for March, will see the ANC defending seats in Newcastle, uMshwati, Emfuleni, and Moretele, while the MK Party will not be on the ballot.
Overall, the political landscape in Ward 4 (eMbalenhle) presents a dynamic environment with shifting alliances and emerging parties, indicating a vibrant democracy at play. As parties continue to compete for influence and power in the region, the future governance of Govan Mbeki in Mpumalanga remains intriguing.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
