EFF Makes Groundbreaking Surge in Clocolan By-Election

In a striking turn of events, the small town of Clocolan near South Africa’s Lesotho border has witnessed a seismic shift in its political landscape. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) achieved a remarkable win in the by-election held at Hlohlowane, a township north of Clocolan. Despite setbacks in the national and provincial arenas, the EFF’s convincing victory in the most populous voting district of Mpokoane Creche has bolstered its standing in the Setsoto municipality.

The by-election, which arose following the demise of the ward councillor, saw various political contenders vying for dominance. The ANC, while securing the majority in the council with 17 seats, stumbled as its share dwindled almost by half from the provincial ballot result. In stark contrast, the EFF not only doubled its percentage share but comfortably outpaced the ANC by a margin of 498 votes in the ward, punctuating the results as a testament to the shifting tides of voter sentiment.

The local party, the Setsoto Service Delivery Forum (SSDF), which has traditionally held substantial sway in the municipality, fell short of continuing its stronghold. Contesting against the likes of the EFF, the ANC, Ace Magashule’s African Congress for Transformation (ACT), the IFP, and COPE, the SSDF experienced a precipitous loss, surrendering more than 75% of its ward support. This dramatic decline casts a shadow over the party's future and is indicative of the electorate's search for alternatives to address their needs and concerns.

Despite endorsing Action SA in the provincial elections, the SSDF could not replicate its influence, thereby positioning itself behind the likes of the EFF, which has become the rallying force for many disenchanted voters. The results underscore the SSDF's imperative to re-evaluate and re-strategize if it aims to remain a formidable entity in the upcoming 2026 local government elections.

With the EFF securing a surprising four seats, the politics within Setsoto are poised for notable changes. The ANC, amidst its win, must now contend with more robust opposition as the EFF rides on the momentum of this pivotal triumph. Meanwhile, the DA and the Freedom Front Plus (FF+) secured two seats each, and the African Transformation Movement (ATM) claimed one, rounding off a council that foretells more vibrant political engagements.

The resounding by-election success for EFF in Clocolan may very well serve as a template for future challenges as the party seeks to leverage this blueprint for subsequent by-election dominance. Political observers are keeping a keen eye on the upcoming by-elections across the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo, particularly in the contested regions of Richmond and Kou-Kamma.

With results that have defied the precedents of the 2021 and 2024 elections, Clocolan has emerged as a focal point for a possible nationwide shift in voter affiliations. As parties recalibrate and strategize for the next electoral battles, it is certain that the political arena of South Africa continues to evolve, reflecting the dynamic will of its people.