POLOKWANE – Political tensions are intensifying ahead of the Local Government Elections in Polokwane, scheduled for November 6, following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement on Thursday.

At ActionSA’s provincial rally at the Jack Botes Hall precinct today, a group of former EFF members publicly terminated their membership to join ActionSA, signalling growing political movement ahead of the elections.

EFF and ANC members move to Action SA ahead of a provincial rally where mayoral candidates are set to be announced. pic.twitter.com/VVHKDur9wC

— Polokwane Observer (@PolokwaneObserv) May 2, 2026

ActionSA also indicated that more high-profile defections are expected from the ANC.

Among them is ANC Youth League provincial executive committee member Dr Mike Ramothwala, who announced his resignation from the ANC in a statement posted on social media on Thursday.

“Unemployment, poverty, poor state of our roads, water provision, healthcare provision, and foreigners taking over jobs, spaza shops, while South African youth are suffering from drug addiction, depression, and alcoholism because they are not economically active needs all of us to be politically active. I have decided to join ActionSA to continue my political activism and humbly request the termination of my ANC membership,” he said.

Political tensions rise in Polokwane as former EFF and ANC members defect to Action SA ahead of local elections. pic.twitter.com/YFGhardMTQ

— Polokwane Observer (@PolokwaneObserv) May 2, 2026

Others, including former ANC member Thapelo Molepo, have also publicly confirmed their departure from the ruling party.

The rally is expected to include the announcement of the party’s full list of candidates.

More in the next Polokwane Observer.