The municipality, which includes the towns of Bothaville and Wesselsbron, is a stronghold of the ANC, but yesterday’s by-elections held in Ward 2 saw the DA take this ward from the ANC. This ward, previously represented by the ANC, became vacant as a result of the death of the councillor and is now led by Bri-Anne Antoinette Masencamp of the DA. The DA’s provincial leader, Patricia Kopane, says this is an indication that the residents in Wesselsbron and Monyakeng township are tired of the ANC’s corruption, maladministration, mediocre leadership and are ready for a change. She comments that their loss is an indication of what they should expect next year during general elections. 

Kopane in a statement further says people of Nala deserve a government that will make provision for quality services and job creation.

This municipality is currently among the dysfunctional Free State municipalities that owe Eskom millions. It owes the power utility more than R181 million.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has indicated that the voter turnout for this ward during the 2016 Municipal Elections was 61.28 % and the ANC candidate won it with 48.89 %, while voter turnout this time was 58.99 % and DA candidate won it with 48.92 %.

OFM News