ANC Solidifies Power in Limpopo: Decisive Victory in Roossenekal By-Election

In a dramatic turn of events, the African National Congress (ANC) has reclaimed its stronghold in Ward 30 of Roossenekal, Limpopo, following a decisive win in the recent by-election. This victory comes after the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) previously snatched the seat in the 2021 local government elections, signaling a potential shift in regional political dynamics at the time.

The ANC’s victory was not just a simple win but a powerful statement, sweeping all voting districts and significantly improving their 2016 election performance by 10 percentage points. Particularly notable was their triumph at the Roossenekal Railway Station polling district, where their vote share skyrocketed from 27% in 2021 to an overwhelming 92%. Similarly, in the Roossenekal Community Hall district, the ANC’s support grew from 28% to a commanding 76%, while the EFF's support plummeted from 56% to 16%.

The political landscape in Roossenekal, situated on the R555 road and known for its historical Mapoch’s Caves and the vibrant yellow arum lily festival, reflects a broader narrative within the Elias Motsoaledi Municipality. In the 2024 provincial elections earlier this year, the ANC secured 67% of the vote in Ward 30 maintaining their 2019 performance level, while the EFF saw a minor increase from 2021, achieving 16% of the vote.

The by-election was triggered by the termination of Ward councillor Mampana Moleke’s membership with the EFF. In the aftermath, the ANC not only regained the seat but did so with a historic margin, indicating a possible decline in EFF’s influence in this key region. The only competitive district was at the Mapoch’s Combined School, where the ANC edged out the EFF, gaining 51% of the vote, a significant increase from their previous 36%.

The current council composition following this by-election shows the ANC with 37 seats, a slight increase from their previous 36. The EFF holds 13 seats, a minor decrease from 14. Other parties such as the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Bolsheviks maintain a lower but stable presence within the local governance framework.

This election not only reasserts the ANC's dominance in the Limpopo region but also serves as a barometer for the political mood leading up to more competitive races slated for December 2024. The upcoming final round of by-elections might further reshape political alignments, particularly in areas like Pietermaritzburg and the small village of Middelpos in the Northern Cape.