The North West ANC has announced former Ward 1 councillor Gabriel Pakiso Mqikela, who was accused of statutory rape and impregnating a teenager (15), will be their candidate in the upcoming by-elections set for 17 July 2024. 

The by-elections come after the current ward councillor, Lala Bonga, resigned. Other parties that will be contesting the by-elections include the EFF, ACT, and DA. This will happen in Tigane near Hartbeesfontein in the City of Matlosana.

Speaking to OFM News, ACT Provincial Chairperson Lopang Rothman said it’s surprising that although the ANC speaks of championing the fight against gender-based violence, they bring back this candidate who was accused of such an incident.

Rothman said they will persuade residents to vote for them as they are the last hope for change. ACT’s candidate is Masabata Mokopanela.

OFM News reported in 2020 that Mqikela was arrested after handing himself to the police. This was after the EFF opened a statutory rape case against him. The then ANC Interim Provincial Committee decided to suspend him immediately.

EFF Provincial Secretary, Papiki Babuile, told OFM News they have done their part and believe the people in Ward 1 will decide if they want a councillor who allegedly slept with a minor.

‘Independent candidate asked to withdraw’

Bonga’s resignation comes after Motlanthe’s report findings that some candidates were parachuted in the 2021 local elections.

Another ANC member known to OFM News, who was interested in becoming the preferred candidate, was shocked to see Mqikela being endorsed by the ANC. This led to him registering with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) as an independent candidate.

However, a source close to OFM News said he was asked by senior members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) to withdraw.

South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) spokesperson in the North West, Mzukisi Jam, said they are supporting Mqikela as he is the candidate preferred by residents and the ANC.

‘Attempts to speak to ANC provincial spokesperson were fruitless’

According to Jam, the court did not find enough evidence against Mqikela and they will support him.

OFM News understands the case has been provisionally withdrawn. Attempts to speak to ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping, were fruitless.

EFF Secretary, Papiki Babuile, said Joseph Monnanyane will be their candidate, he further indicates that the step-aside rule is applied questionably by the ANC.

OFM News/Joba Matsheng cg/mvh