Two by-elections in the Klerksdorp-based Matlosana Municipality in North West have kicked off smoothly on Wednesday (17/7), despite two reported minor incidents.

Ward 1, with more than 5,000 registered voters, opened all seven of its voting stations promptly at 07:00, said North West IEC spokesperson Dr Tumelontle Thiba. Although many potential voters are at work, the expected voter turnout is around 1,500 or 30%.

In Ward 25, which has a potential voting population of over 4,000, three voting stations were set up, and a turnout of 1,250 voters or 20% to 25% is expected.

OFM News previously reported ANC candidate Gabriel Mqikela’s candidacy in Ward 1 sparked controversy due to previous accusations of statutory rape involving a minor (15). The case was provisionally withdrawn due to insufficient evidence.

Opposition parties, including the EFF and ACT, have criticised the decision to allow Mqikela to run, hoping this controversy will sway voters in their favour.

Ward 1 was previously ANC and became vacant following the resignation of the former councillor. In the 2021 municipal elections, the voter turnout in this ward was 37.54%.

Ward 25 is also under intense scrutiny after its previous councillor, Tebogo Sepale (44), was arrested in May last year on rape charges. The ANC expelled Sepale, who remains in police custody. Despite this, the ANC is fielding a new candidate.

The voter turnout in this ward was 38% during the 2021 municipal elections. Notably, the DA has opted out of participating in both by-elections.

Thiba said special votes proceeded without incident. However, two voting stations experienced minor disruptions this morning when taxi drivers clashed with members of a political party, leading to temporary blockages at the entrances. The issues were swiftly addressed, and voting continued without interruption.

All polling stations opened on time at 07:00 and will remain open until 21:00. Thiba gave the assurance that all registered voters in the queue at closing time will be accommodated. Thiba urged all registered voters to participate and elect their preferred councillors.

OFM News/ Kekeletso Mosebetsi