Oppositions accused the ANC of violating IEC rules for allegedly campaigning during the voting period.
The opposition parties in Matatiele Local Municipality are crying foul, accusing IEC for violating its rules in the by-elections held at ward 10 under Matatiele local municipality on Wednesday the 12 of February 2025. The by-elections were held to fill-in the seat left vacant by the tragic passing of the ANC ward councillor in October last year.
The Economic Freedom Fighters Regional Secretary Siseko Sikhafungana accused the ANC of violating IEC rules for allegedly campaigning during the voting period using the Matatiele Speakers vehicle to give away the ANC t-shirts, which he claim is against the law. The EFF and Umkhonto Wesizwe Party also raised another point of contention, which is the special votes cast with around 400 people participated in it. However the, the opposition’s parties claim that not even half of these individuals quality as special votes in the ward. They are also raising concerns that some of these special voters are young people who weren’t even aware they were casting special votes. “IEC is trying by all means necessary to destroy the by-elections but we as the EFF we won’t allow them,” said Sikhafungana
Despite the allegations, the ANC Regional coordinator Pulelo Mohale said, the voter turnout for the Matatiele local municipality by-elections was impressive, with people coming out in numbers to cast their votes. On the other hand the Democratic Alliance Whip Wonga Potwana said, DA chose not to participate in the by-election, citing the high costs involved and the fact that the council’s term is set to expire in less than 24 months, with local government elections expected 2026/27. The Democratic Alliance has cited another reason for not contesting the by-election, which is the tragic and gruesome circumstances surrounding the death of the councillor. “The councillor’s passing was so severe that even his family couldn’t recognize him, which is particularly significant in black culture where families are traditionally allowed to say their final goodbyes before burial,” said Potwana. The DA is concerned that the community’s judgment might be clouded by sympathy for the deceased councillor, potentially leading to voters casting their ballots for the ANC as a tribute. “This emotional factor, combined with the high cost of contesting the by-election has led the DA to decide not to participate,” he said.
