Central SA
Matlosana by-elections: Ward 25 residents to vote for new councillor─── 12:25 Mon, 15 Jul 2024
“Sepale was arrested after the parents of two boys aged 15 and 17 laid charges against him, and he was suspended by the ANC immediately.”
Residents of Ward 25 in Kanana, Orkney, will cast their votes for a new ward councillor tomorrow during two by-elections taking place in the Matlosana Municipality.
The ANC announced earlier this year that it dumped rape accused Tebogo Sepale (44), who was arrested in May 2023 while serving as a ward councillor.
Sepale is facing eleven counts of charges, two of statutory rape, four of rape, and one of manufacturing pornographic materials.
Sepale was arrested after the parents of two boys aged 15 and 17 laid charges against him, and he was suspended by the ANC immediately.
OFM News was informed that the EFF and the African Congress for Transformation are among the parties contesting the ward.
The DA’s Johannes le Grange has confirmed to OFM News that they will not participate in the by-elections.
Day 3: We are in Ward 25, Mankweng, Umntu Emntwini, while the other 2 teams are in Seshego ward 11 & 14, Ours Is Just To Work The Ground #VoteEFF29May. pic.twitter.com/oZjT3uDQRG
— Patrick Sindane (@sindane3) May 1, 2024
Speaking to OFM News, EFF Provincial Secretary Papiki Babuile said the removal of Sepale was prolonged and that residents of Ward 25 should know that their candidate will not allow women, children, and people living with disabilities to become victims of abuse.
According to Babuile, the EFF candidate is Thabisa Ngxangashe, the ACT’s candidate is Bright Mvala, and the ANC will be represented by Nozuko Gloria Tiyo.
ACT Provincial Chairperson Lopang Rothman told OFM News that they committed to dealing with challenges such as unemployment and service delivery in the blink of an eye.
Good morning, Madelakufa!??Just a quick shout out to all our members. Together, we’re making a difference and building a stronger community #DelaAppreciation #Amadelakufa #ACT #VoteACT2024 pic.twitter.com/fCmMc330s1
— African Congress for Transformation (@actonlinesa) April 17, 2024
Earlier this year, ANC spokesperson Tumelo Maruping confirmed to OFM News that the disciplinary committee in the province decided to dump him after months in police custody.
According to Babuile, the time has come to restore pride and dignity for the people of Ward 25 and says that Ngxangashe is ready to heed the need without fear.
OFM News has made requests to ANC provincial spokesperson Tumelo Maruping, who has yet to respond.
Other wards in the province expected to go for by-elections are Ward 39 in Matlosana, Ward 7 in Naledi, and Wards 7, 22, and 25 in JB Marks, all scheduled for 11 September.
