Ward 39 by-election scheduled for November
Both the ANC and DA are still to finalise their candidate nominations for a by-election in November, but each party is optimistic about the election outcome.
POLOKWANE – November 13 marks the date for a by-election to fill the vacancy left by Franco Marx, the DA ward councillor for Ward 39, following his appointment to the Limpopo Legislature in September.
Over the weekend, members of the DA, ANC, and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) facilitated registrations and verifications at Tom Naudé Technical High School and Laerskool Pietersburg-Noord (Noordskool).
Marx stepped into the position following the death of Tiny Chidi in early August, which had left her seat vacant and required filling for the legislature to achieve quorum.
The selection process has, however, drawn criticism from the Conty Lebepe Foundation, which expressed concerns that the replacement should be an ethnic African to enhance diversity within the party, as emphasised in Chidi’s role.
Jacques Smalle, the provincial party chairperson, clarified to the Polokwane Observer that Marx’s appointment followed IEC regulations.
“The list submitted by the DA in May must remain active for 12 months. This means that the next qualifying person is expected to fill a seat when a member is removed for any reason, including death, as was the case with Chidi,” he explained.
Both the ANC and DA are still to finalise their candidate nominations, but each party is optimistic about the election outcome.
Emmanuel Maruma of the ANC urged residents to vote for his party to enhance service delivery.
In contrast, Smalle expressed confidence in retaining the ward, which has been under DA control since its inception, noting that the party has consistently received over 50% of the vote in past elections, securing an outright majority.
