On Thursday 15 September 2022, the North West provincial government dissolved the troubled municipal council after the municipality had two mayors and two municipal managers at loggerheads, which destabilised the level of service delivery.

ALSO READ: Troubled North West municipal council dissolved

Political parties, including the EFF, ANC, DA and FF+, have deployed some of their political heavyweights to help garner support for the 14 December by-elections in 20 vacant wards.

The ANC's acting Secretary-General (SG) and treasurer, Paul Mashitile, as well as the EFF's national SG, Marshal Dlamini, were on the ground this past week to ensure that their parties emerge victorious come election day.

The DA North West Legislature-Caucus Leader, Freddy Sonakile, tells OFM News that the party has been on the ground to campaign.  

According to the Independent Electoral Commission's (IEC) provincial manager, Dr Tumelontle Thiba, political parties will contest in 20 wards with residents expected to cast votes at 100 voting stations. 

She said the registration weekend was on 29 and 30 October, and candidate nominations opened on 4 November.

ALSO READ: Opposition to contest by-election in North West

Thiba added that nominations close on 21 November and the by-elections will take place on 14 December.

However, the dissolved council of the municipality, a few days later, announced that it will be dragging the Provincial Government to the High Court over its dissolution.

ALSO READ: North West municipality takes council dissolution to court

According to a court document seen by OFM News, the council sat on 19 September 2022 and expressed its concern about the fact that the decision to dissolve the council was allegedly taken on incorrect facts and was thus premature. 

In this court application by the council, it says it will also seek an order compelling National Treasury to release the equitable share, freeing up funds for necessary service delivery. 

OFM News