EFF reinforces strong presence in Juju Valley after National Elections
In the weeks before the election, violence between EFF and ANC supporters resulted in numerous injuries, including a 24-year-old man and a nine-year-old girl who were both shot.
POLOKWANE – Residents of Juju Valley have shared their expectations with BONUS following the recent election results, which reinforced the EFF’s strong presence in the ward.
The EFF maintained its political control in the informal settlement during the May 29 election, despite violent clashes with the ANC in the weeks leading up to the polls.
Read more: VIDEO: Girl shot in Juju Valley unrest
The area was heavily secured, with a significant police presence, and top officers including provincial police commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe, ensuring peace during the voting process.
The Spirit Wind International Ministries voting station, identified as a high-risk area, saw voters queuing peacefully to cast their ballots.
In the weeks before the election, violence between EFF and ANC supporters resulted in numerous injuries, including a 24-year-old man and a nine-year-old girl who were both shot.
Read more: UPDATE: Jossey Buthane’s bail conditions set
Several arrests were made, including former EFF provincial chairperson and the ANC’s Jossey Buthane, on charges of attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm, as confirmed by Hadebe.
Nearby, residents queued at a communal water tap, highlighting ongoing inequalities.
Some had already voted, others were still in line, and some chose not to vote at all. BONUS spoke with residents to gauge their reactions to the election results.
Ngwako Madidimalo, a resident for nine years, expressed a desire for the EFF to address essential services.
“Where I live now, I have none of these things. Children are forced to travel far to school, when we could have our own school,” he said. Francis Mabutla voiced his satisfaction with the EFF’s victory, hopeful they would build on their previous efforts. In contrast, Mokgadi Mamabolo expressed frustration: “We are angry because politicians only seek us out during elections. Besides that, they are nowhere to be seen. We have voted for them (EFF) several times, and they keep promising the same things.”
As Juju Valley moves forward, residents remain hopeful yet cautious, looking to the EFF to fulfill their promises and improve living conditions in the area.
