The SABC reports that the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, Julius Malema, addressed mini-rallies in three different areas under the municipality on Sunday, encouraging residents to vote for his party and promising to provide services.

The municipal council was disbanded by the provincial government in September 2022, citing a lack of services, maladministration and political infighting. 20 ward seats and 19 proportional representation seats are up for grabs. 

Members of several parties turned up over the weekend to rally for votes. 

15 parties to contest the bi-elections

Some residents say they are tired of unkept promises. They bemoan long years of poor service delivery and hope the EFF will turn things around.

Campaigning for his party in Bodibe Village, Boikhutso and Coligny Township, Malema says indigent residents must receive free basic services.

"Every house must get electricity, and that electricity must be free of charge, especially houses that are owned by grandparents because they are not working because they are receiving Sassa grants," he said.

"Why are they giving them Sassa grants and then showing up with a bill of electricity and demanding payment? How are they going to pay because the Sassa grant is not meant for electricity," he said.

'Corruption is to blame'

He added that corruption is to blame for poor service delivery in the country.

"The problem of South Africa and in Africa is corruption. If we can eliminate corruption, no child will be unemployed because money meant for road construction is being hoarded by politicians. If they do not construct a road, there will be no jobs. If we construct roads, there will be jobs for unemployed young people," said Malema.

More than a hundred voting stations will be open on Wednesday, with 15 political parties and an independent candidate contesting the by-elections.

OFM News