Ward 3 by-election puts Sithembile in a party mood

There is a party like atmosphere in Sithembile, Glencoe, today as four political parties vie for control of Ward 3. The result is crucial as it will mean control of the Endumeni Council will be settled.

Right now, following the IFP terminating sitting Ward 3 Councillor Molotshwa’s membership, the Council is drawn 6-6 – ANC 6 and DA, EFF and IFP co-governance set up 6. The Ward 3 winner will roll the dice as to which one will rule.

While the NFP and EFF are also fielding candidates, many are predicting a straight fight between the ANC and the IFP who have won the last two elections in the ward.

However, one local commentator, who preferred not to be named, said ‘do not be surprised if voters stay away because they are fed up and one of the smaller parties come in’.

There was a delay at Mpinsini voting station as the scanner was not working but this was later sorted out. Voters were trickling but the flow is expected to pick up in the late afternoon.

See video here

The IFP is hoping to retain the ward but are up against the ANC who have thrown everything to the fight with MECs holding health days, libraries opening and more.  Today, braais are going and T-shirts being handed out as the parties battle to convince voters to cast their ballots.

With music booming in the streets around the two voting stations – Amakhemfundo School and Empisini School – many residents say they will be glad when it’s all over and stability returns to the Ward and the Council.

80-year-old Manthobe Mbense, clad in an ANC shirt, said the IFP told her she would not get groceries by wearing that shirt.  However, she commented further that King George VI was on the throne when she was born and that ‘maybe he would also been good to vote for’.

Some IFP supporters remarked that the ANC was using government resources to fight the election.

Former Speaker Bongiwe Mbathat-Makhathini was seen clad in ANC regalia in the Ward. She was formerly an IFP Councillor and Mayor in Endumeni but late last year was fired by her party and has since joined the ANC.

Results are expected after midnight

Goats are also out in force in Ward 3

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