The number of registered voters is the highest in central South Africa according to IEC figures with 29 parties contesting elections. This is almost double the number of parties that contended for the 2014 general elections.

With that said, the North West is still a province reeling from widespread protests that took place in 2018 over service delivery concerns and allegations of corruption under the watch of the then Premier, Supra Mahumapelo. 

After the capital Mahikeng descended into chaos in mid-April 2018, with several vehicles, as well as the Mmabana Community Centre, being torched and vandalised cabinet invoked Section 100(1) of the Constitution, placing the whole province under national care. 

While Mahumapelo’s subsequent resignation, Job Mokgoro’s appointment and national government’s intervention appeared to allay some concerns, unrest is continuing to flare up a year later.

OFM News spoke to residents of Dithakong village located less than 20km outside Mahikeng in the North West, who are divided regarding whether they should vote or not today. 

The village, which is divided into eastern and western sections, falls under the Mahikeng Local Municipality. Some residents are adamant they will not vote, citing lack of service delivery, clean running water and recreational facilities since the dawn of democracy as a reason. 

They say for the past 25 years of democracy they haven’t received anything from the ANC-led government. Others feel compelled to cast their vote out of fear of losing social grants placing them in a bit of a catch-22 situation.  

National Police Commissioner, Khehla Sitole, maintains that contingency plans are in place, should any disruptions occur.

OFM News