Seven of the 26 municipalities in the Northern Cape will hold by-elections on Wednesday. Two of them in Phokwane and Renosterberg are currently under administration.
The African National Congress (ANC), Democratic Alliance (DA), and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are among the seven parties contesting the by-elections in the province.
Khoisan Revolution, Save Tsantsabane, Freedom Front Plus, and Azapo also feature on the ballot.
Residents around Pampierstad and Hartswater at Phokwane Municipality are pessimistic that their votes are not likely to change their living conditions.
“It’s not going to help me if I vote or if I don’t vote. It’s been 25 years or so. So if I vote, what change am I expecting?” asks another resident.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) says it is ready for Tuesday’s special votes which will precede Wednesday’s by-elections.
Northern Cape electoral head Bonolo Modise, says there have been no difficulties thus far.
“We’ve not had any difficulties so far in our preparations. We’ve been working very well with political parties to ensure we have a smooth process and we like to encourage those South Africans where there are ward vacancies to come in their numbers to exercise their right to vote in the Phokwane municipality and the Renosterberg municipality particularly where councils were dissolved and will be electing new councils.”
The IEC holds a media briefing on upcoming by-elections
