MBOMBELA – The ANC won the provincial elections by a landslide, but still surrendered three additional seats in the provincial legislature to the opposition. In 2009, the ruling party won 27 of the 30 seats in Mpumalanga.
Following Wednesday’s general elections, the DA’s seats increased from two to three. Newcomers, the EFF and Bushbuckridge Residents Association (BRA) won two and one respectively (COPE won a seat in 2009, but not last week). This brought the number of seats held by the ruling party in the province down to 24.
The ANC welcomed the results and thanked the people who gave them another mandate to lead for the next five years.
“The ANC congratulates all political parties who took part in the elections, especially those that will be represented in the legislature. This shows that our democracy is maturing. We encourage those political parties to work in a cooperative manner to move South Africa forward.”
See statistics on voter turnout here.
Premier Mr David Mabuza is to serve another term. Also returning to legislature are Mr David Dube, provincial ANC deputy chairman, Mr Andries Gamede, MEC for human settlements, Mr Vusi Shongwe, MEC for safety and security, Ms Reginah Mhaule, MEC for education, Ms Violet Siwela, MEC for agriculture and Mr Simon Skhosana, MEC for cooperative governance.
Also returning are chief whip Ms Thandi Shongwe, former MPs Mr Eric Kholwane and Ms Goodness Nhlengethwa and MPLs Ms Nomsa Mtshweni, Ms Refilwe Mtshweni, Mr Victor Windvoël and Ms Patricia Ngobeni.
Also representing the party in legislature are regional chairperson of the Women’s League Ms Norah Mahlangu, Ehlanzeni regional secretary Mr Pat Ngomane and Bohlabela region chairperson Mr Gillion Mashego. Newcomers are Ms Violet Nkuna, Ms Jeaneth Nghondzweni, Mr Johanne Mkhatshwa, Ms Gabsile Shabalala, Mr Sibusiso Malaza, Mr William Madibeng and Ms Rhoda Mathabe.
See the detailed election results here.
For the official opposition, Mr Anthony Benadie, provincial party leader returns to legislature. He is joined by deputy provincial leader Ms Jane Sithole and Nkangala district councillor Mr Bosman Grobler. Benadie congratulated the party’s members who will represent voters and thanked the people of the province who voted.
“The people of Mpumalanga have shown their confidence in the DA to hold government to account, and came out in numbers to increase our party’s provincial share of the vote by more than three per cent.”
For the EFF, provincial party leader Mr Collen Sedibe and Ms Ayanda Tshabalala will join the provincial legislature. Mr Mpumelelo Masina, party spokesman said they were not so much surprised as humbled by the number of votes they received in the first election they contested.
Meet the new legislature members here.
Mr Delta Mokoena will represent BRA in legislature. Party secretary Mr Cleopus Maonya said they did better than expected.
“Our aim was to get representation in legislature. We will now build on that to make sure our people receive better services, especially in rural areas.”
The national assembly and provincial legislatures are to swear in its members on May 21 before they elect the president, premiers and speakers.
See who from Mpumalanga is off to parliament here.
