The Thabazimbi municipality, once dissolved by the provincial government due to its dysfunctionality, recently held a by-election on 4th of December 2024. The municipality had been in turmoil, with conflicting mayors and municipal managers, which prompted the provincial government to intervene through section 39(1)(b), dissolving the municipal council. In the by-election, the African National Congress (ANC) emerged with the most seats, winning 10, signaling a continued, electoral influence in Limpopo. However, despite this victory, the ANC did not secure an outright majority, falling short by two seats, which limits their ability to govern independently. The Democratic Alliance (DA) finished second earning four seats, while the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) secured three seats. While other parties such as the Labour Party of South Africa and Freedom Front Plus (FF+) each gained two seats, and the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party and Thabazimbi Residents Association (TRA) each won one seat. This by-election highlights the ongoing challenges in Thabazimbi, hoping that the new coalition will bring much needed changes.
Photo credict: IOL News
