By-elections were held this week, with the ANC winning with a margin of 40%, leaving the municipality with a hung council since the party failed to win with an outright majority. 

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) held by-elections this week which were contested by parties such as the EFF, ANC, DA and the Freedom Front Plus (FF+).

ALSO READ: Parties in North West mobilise support for Ditsobotla by-elections

The ANC won the by-elections with a margin of 40%, leaving the municipality with a hung council since the party failed to win with an outright majority.

ALSO READ: ANC sees drop in support in Ditsobotla

The South African National Civic Organisation's (SANCO) provincial chairperson, Paul Sebegoe, says the hung council depicts the extent to which the dissolved structure had eroded public confidence. 

Sebegoe says only hands-on support from the provincial government will guarantee that the new council does not derail or degenerate into dysfunctionality.

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

“Coalitions that have recently emerged across most municipalities have been characterised by instability. Therefore although there was no outright winner in the highly contested by-elections, the ANC as a party that received the most votes, should be allowed to lead a coalition that will serve the interest of the residents in order to ensure that service delivery happens for the benefit of our communities,” Sebegoe adds.

Meanwhile, the ANC has welcomed the outcomes of the highly contested Ditsobotla by-elections, held on 14 December 2022. The party said it remains committed to strengthening service delivery and fulfilling its quest to build better communities. 

ANC spokesperson in the province, Tumelo Maruping, said they call on all elected councillors not to lose sight of what he terms an "outpouring of confidence” in the party, and to ensure that quality service delivery is achieved, including stability in governance.

"The overwhelming majority of the people of Ditsobotla have again expressed their confidence in the ANC.  The task ahead is not easy and will require decisive, disciplined and dedicated councillors to redirect all efforts to service delivery. 

This was indeed not an easy by-elections as the ANC had to robustly infuse self-introspection emanating from these results," Maruping added.

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