EFF Holds Firm in Polokwane: Julius Malema’s Ward 13 Stays Red

EFF Strengthens Grip on Julius Malema’s Home Turf

In a spirited by-election that drew local and national attention, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have successfully held onto Ward 13 in Polokwane, the political heartland of their firebrand leader, Julius Malema. This win not only cements the EFF’s foothold in Seshego but also sends a clear message to their rivals, the ANC and the SACP, that the ground remains firmly in their hands.

EFF’s Resounding Win Amid Stiff Competition

Mongatane Ramaphoko, the EFF’s candidate, clinched a convincing victory with 3,370 votes, securing a solid 57.34% majority. This was no walkover, ANC’s Mokgadi Boloko came close with 2,404 votes, tallying just over 40%, but ultimately fell short. Meanwhile, the SACP, making a rare independent run in the province, barely made a dent, earning only 70 votes.

What’s notable here is that the EFF wrested this ward from the ANC back in 2016, and this latest win signals the party’s enduring appeal despite growing frustrations over local governance.

Malema’s Campaign Touch: Local Roots Run Deep

Malema himself was hands-on, spending the week campaigning door-to-door in Seshego, his home township, rallying support for Ramaphoko. The community’s continued backing reflects not just political loyalty but a deep connection with Malema’s fiery rhetoric and promises of radical change.

Polokwane’s Real Struggles Linger

The political victory, however, takes place against a backdrop of serious challenges in Polokwane. Residents continue to grapple with a range of service delivery problems, water shortages, waste piling up, crumbling infrastructure, and the proliferation of illegal electricity connections.

These everyday hardships weigh heavily on voters, fueling skepticism about all parties but especially putting pressure on the ruling ANC. Many locals see the EFF as a more vocal champion of their daily struggles, though delivering tangible improvements remains a high bar.

A Changing of the Guard in Ward 13

Ramaphoko’s win also marks a leadership change. He replaces Mafiwa Leballo, a fellow EFF councillor who was expelled earlier this year due to chronic absenteeism from council meetings. This shake-up within the party signals that the EFF is keeping a close eye on accountability, a critical issue for voters frustrated by politics as usual.

Social Media Buzz and Local Voices

The EFF’s social media channels celebrated the win as a “reaffirmation of the people’s unwavering confidence” in their leadership. Among local conversations, reactions are mixed supporters hail it as proof of the EFF’s commitment to the community, while critics point to the slow pace of resolving the ward’s urgent issues.

What This Means for Polokwane’s Political Landscape

Ward 13’s results highlight the shifting political dynamics in Limpopo’s capital. The ANC faces a tough road ahead trying to reclaim lost ground, while the SACP’s marginal showing raises questions about its independent relevance. For the EFF, maintaining the ward is a morale boost ahead of larger elections, but the true test remains their ability to translate political wins into improved lives on the ground.

The EFF’s hold on Ward 13 in Polokwane isn’t just about votes, it’s a reflection of local identity, political passion, and the ongoing demand for real change in a city wrestling with service delivery woes. As Seshego watches closely, the pressure is on for the new leadership to prove their promises are more than just words.

{Source: IOL}

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