The fiercely contested by-elections in 15 wards saw the ANC losing to these independent candidates who parted ways with the party following their expulsion last year. The group was expelled after they were found guilty for voting with opposition parties during the election of the executive mayor. They were accused of defying the party’s resolution to nominate and vote a party-preferred candidate into the mayoral office. The ANC has only managed to retain five of the wards and lost 10 to the group. The wards were overall contested by 89 candidates from six political parties and 16 independent candidates.

The ANC’s tripartite alliance partner, the SACP, in the Free State have long shown their support to the expelled group and announced that they would not rally behind the ANC in yesterday’s by-elections.

Free State SACP spokesperson, Phillip Kganyago, previously told OFM News that the councillors were consistent with what the ANC stood for and played a role in the fight against maladministration and corruption. 

He said there was no reason for the Communist Party to dump them for standing for what they believe the ANC should stand for.

OFM News