On Wednesday, September 13, 2023, a significant political event is set to unfold in Mbhashe Municipality, Eastern Cape, as two municipal ward by-elections take place. These by-elections, originally scheduled to close at 9 pm, will see an early closure of voting stations at 7 pm. The outcomes of these elections have the potential to reshape the local political landscape and influence key decisions related to financial services, credit, lending, personal finance, motor vehicles, insurances, and banking in the region.
Candidates in the Running
A total of ten candidates will vie for the two vacant municipal ward positions, with one independent candidate and nine candidates representing five political parties.
Ward 01: A Battleground of Ideologies
Ward 01 in Mbhashe Municipality (EC121) promises to be a battleground of political ideologies and aspirations. The ward was previously represented by the African National Congress (ANC) but became vacant due to the resignation of the councillor. In the upcoming by-election, it will be contested by Luleka Margaret Tonise, running as an independent candidate, and representatives from five political parties:
Ayabonga Tyatyaza of the ANC.
Ntombokuqala Rolihlahla of the African Transformation Movement (ATM).
Yonga Phandulwazi Mgayi of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
Yamkela Makangela of the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania.
Hilda Vuyelwa Luke of the United Democratic Movement (UDM).
The ward has historically been an ANC stronghold, but the sudden vacancy offers an opportunity for other parties to make inroads. The voter turnout for Ward 01 in the 2021 Municipal Elections was 31.03%, indicating a potentially volatile electorate seeking change.
Ward 02: A Contest of Heirs
In Ward 02 of the Mbhashe Municipality (EC121), the by-election is characterized by a contest of heirs. The ANC previously represented this ward, but it became vacant following the tragic death of the councillor. Four candidates will compete for the seat:
Penny Ntombifuthi Tomose of the ANC.
Mbonisi Wiseman Mgushelo of the ATM.
Bongani Manzenze of the EFF.
Mluniseleli Rufus Maxaulana of the UDM.
Ward 02 has historically been an ANC stronghold, with a voter turnout of 48.16% in the 2021 Municipal Elections. The by-election in this ward will be an opportunity for the ANC to maintain its dominance or for other parties to gain ground.
Implications for Local and Financial Services
These by-elections hold significance beyond just the political realm. Mbhashe Municipality plays a vital role in the Eastern Cape’s economy, with a focus on industries related to agriculture, tourism, and small-scale manufacturing. The results of these elections can influence policies related to financial services, credit, lending, personal finance, motor vehicles, insurances, and banking in the region.
A change in political leadership could lead to shifts in budget allocation and investment priorities, potentially impacting the local economy and the availability of financial services. Voters and stakeholders in the region will be watching closely as the candidates compete for these pivotal positions.
Conclusion
As the clock counts down to September 13, all eyes are on Mbhashe Municipality as it prepares for these consequential by-elections. With candidates from various parties vying for control of Ward 01 and Ward 02, the outcomes will undoubtedly influence the local political landscape and shape the direction of financial services, credit, lending, personal finance, motor vehicles, insurances, and banking in the region.
