POLOKWANE – EFF leader Julius Malema has thanked the residents of ward 13 in Seshego after the party retained the seat in a by-election held this week.

The EFF secured 57.34% of the vote, continuing its stronghold in the ward since 2016. The newly elected councillor is Mongatane Ramphoko, who replaces Mafiwa Leballo. Leballo was recently removed from the municipal council for reportedly failing to attend meetings consistently.

The EFF won with 3 370 votes, following an intense campaign that saw Malema return to his hometown to rally support. Despite a high-profile campaign, the ANC, represented by Mokgadi Boloko, came second with 2 404 votes (just over 40%).

The by-election also saw the SACP contest independently of the ANC for the first time in Limpopo. The SACP received 70 votes (1%). The All Citizens Party’s Potego Cyril Shadung received 23 votes (0.39%), while Thabang Jeremia Mathiba of the Labour Party of South Africa received 10 votes (0.17%).

Out of 11 704 registered voters, 5 877 valid votes were counted, with 39 spoiled ballots, bringing the total to 5 916.

ANC regional spokesperson Adolph Rapetswa said although the party did not win, they appreciated the reception in the ward and would continue to advocate for the residents’ needs.

Malema’s party credited the win to consistent grassroots engagement and thanked the community for their continued trust in the EFF.