POLOKWANE – Shortly afterwards, EFF leader Julius Malema cast his vote at Sehlapelo Primary School in Seshego, where he was born and raised. He was accompanied by EFF provincial chairperson Lawrence Mapoulo and his son, Ratanang.

EFF targets Polokwane

Malema said the EFF was setting its sights on the Polokwane Municipality, which remains an ANC stronghold.

In the 2021 local government elections, the ANC secured 58% of the vote in Polokwane, while the EFF finished second with 22%. Malema said he believed it was now time for the ANC to fall below the 50% mark and for the EFF to gain ground.

“There’s no party here that has got even confidence,” Malema said. “All of them are singing from the same hymn book that the EFF is the only solution to the problems of Seshego, Moletjie, Extension 44, Juju Valley, Hospital View, Zone 2, Zone 1 and Zone 5. They are saying we want one thing only and that today is ballot number one EFF. Ballot number two EFF. Ballot number three EFF.”

Residents hope for change

Residents interviewed in Seshego said they were optimistic that voting would bring change. Some raised concerns about water supply, saying large parts of the community rely on water tankers because of inadequate infrastructure and ageing, burst pipes.

One resident said a community without jobs would inevitably experience crime, adding that “if people can get jobs, then we’ll be fine”.