Thabang Morutloa
The African National Congress (ANC) in the North West has expressed confidence that it will secure an overwhelming victory in the local government elections.
With more than 60% of the votes counted, the party has already secured victories in four municipalities; Mahikeng, Kgetlengrivier, Naledi, Maquassi Hills and Mamusa.
The party’s Interim Provincial Committee Coordinator, Hlomani Chauke, said the ANC also hopes to win outright where it previously governed through coalitions.
“In terms of our numbers, what we have realised is that we have grown in a number of municipalities, including those that we were not in control of. In Rustenburg for example, we have a coalition and I think going forward we have already managed to make some gains.
“We have made gains in Moses Kotane, Moretele and in Mahikeng. So we are indeed expecting to secure more than what we already have as counting continues,” Chauke said.
On the other hand, Economic Freedom Fighters secretary in the North West, Papiki Babuile, believes his party is growing, despite it losing some wards.
“I must confirm that we have lost some of the wards in Rustenburg. But we have gained some of the wards also in Madibeng and one in Lekwa-Teemane local municipalities.
“We have gained PR councillors in all the municipalities in the province, which clearly shows that the party has increased its support base in those municipalities,” Babuile said.
He added: “So far we have secured three wards in the province. Ward one in Lekwa-Teemane, Ward 24 in Rustenburg and Ward 27 in Madibeng local municipalities,” he said.
The EFF looks set to be the official opposition in the municipalities that the ANC has won.
