The expelled ANC councillors, who are contesting as independent candidates, argued that the by-elections should be put in abeyance until their request to review their expulsion with the ANC national disciplinary committee, was finalised.

Legal representative for the ANC, Advocate Monnapula Motlogelwa, said the expelled councillors who described themselves to be "ANC members in good standing" could not claim to be members of the ANC, if they were contesting the by-elections as independent candidates.

He believed that they should have withdrawn themselves, if they were convinced that the by-elections process would be "tarnished by a lack of integrity," if it went ahead.  
 
Legal representative for the expelled councillors Advocate Anton Roux, explained that his clients had decided to approach the court when it became obvious that the by-elections would proceed regardless.

OFM News/Sandi Kwon-Hoo