ANC Loses Ward 22 As Newly Formed OMO Makes Its First Election Impact

A community organisation established just six months ago has made an unexpected breakthrough in Merafong City Local Municipality, defeating the African National Congress (ANC) in Ward 22 and securing four seats on the municipal council after its first participation in local government elections.

One Merafong Organisation (OMO) won the ward councillor position, ending the ANC’s hold on an area it had previously controlled with a substantial majority. The organisation also obtained three proportional representation seats, bringing its total representation to four councillors in the 49-member council.

OMO Secretary General Buti Mthembu described the victory as evidence that residents were willing to support an organisation they believed would work closely with them.

He credited the communities for the outcome, saying their trust had given the newly established movement the responsibility to represent their interests. Mthembu also accused the ANC of neglecting residents after years in control of the ward.

The organisation’s breakthrough comes against the background of complaints from residents about water shortages, electricity challenges and alleged maladministration. These concerns featured prominently in the issues OMO says it intends to address.

The wider municipal results also point to a major change in Merafong’s political landscape. No party secured enough seats to govern the municipality alone, leaving the council without an outright majority.

The ANC finished with 33.93 per cent of the vote and 17 seats, a decline from the 48.9 per cent and 27 seats it obtained in the 2021 elections.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) came second with 23.01 per cent and 11 seats. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) secured 8.74 per cent and four seats, while OMO followed closely with 8.44 per cent and the same number of seats.

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party obtained three seats, while the Freedom Front Plus and ActionSA each secured two.

With the 49-member council fragmented among several political parties, coalition negotiations are expected to determine the next municipal administration. OMO’s four seats could therefore become relevant in discussions over how the municipality will be governed.

The organisation has already called for the arrest of officials it accuses of corruption and says accountability and improved service delivery will be central to its approach.

For residents who supported the movement, the election result has created expectations that longstanding problems involving basic municipal services will receive greater attention.

Source: https://x.com/centralnewsza/status/2119009424131981693?s=46

If you liked this story, please follow or tip the author to help them write more!

SApolitics feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com