MATJHABENG – The battle for control of the Matjhabeng Local Municipality is expected to intensify ahead of the 2026 local government elections, with service delivery, financial instability, and infrastructure failures likely to dominate the campaign.
Matjhabeng’s population increased to 439 034 in 2022, up from 429 113 in 2016.
The age demographic of residents eligible for voting is 66.8% of the population. The elderly over 65 make up approximately 6.4%. Matjhabeng recorded an annual population growth rate of 0.74% in 2022.
Age demarcation
The ANC, which controls the municipality, has identified incumbent mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha as one of the possible mayoral candidates, although the party has indicated that a final decision is expected in September.
The ANC initially announced seven possible candidates following an interview process led by its national executive committee (NEC).
Khalipha’s possible candidacy has attracted criticism, particularly following his conviction for assaulting his bodyguard in December 2024.
The DA has positioned long-serving councillor Piet Botha as its mayoral candidate. Botha, who joined the party in 2005 and became a councillor in 2006, has made service delivery the centrepiece of his campaign.
He has highlighted the deteriorating condition of roads and raised concerns that Matjhabeng reportedly has only one grader available to service the municipality, and that it is not operational.
Mayoral candidates
Botha has called for updated infrastructure master plans covering water, sewerage, roads and electricity, greater involvement from national government and stronger action against corruption.
He has also stressed the need to improve revenue collection while addressing municipal debt.
The EFF will contest the municipality under caucus leader Thomas Macingwane. Its manifesto focuses on restoring basic services, rehabilitating wastewater treatment plants, repairing water leaks, improving refuse collection, and strengthening infrastructure planning.
The FF Plus has placed Manie Pretorius at the top of its Matjhabeng list, with this candidate promising cleaner and safer towns, greater accountability and investment in water, sewerage and sanitation infrastructure.
The United Residents’ Front (URF) has proposed Dr Bakoena Ramosie as its mayoral candidate, with priorities including economic growth, serviced sites, infrastructure maintenance, job creation, ward-based budgeting, information centres and 24-hour safety wardens.
The African Liberation Movement will contest the election with Sylvester Phate as its mayoral candidate.
The ANC returned with 39 seats, the DA holds 16 seats, and the EFF holds nine seats. Two seats each are held by the African Democratic Change, the Independent South African National Civic Organisation and the Freedom Front Plus. One seat each is held by the Congress of the People and the African Transformation Movement.
Major political parties contesting the upcoming November 2026 municipal elections in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality include the African National Congress (ANC), Democratic Alliance (DA), Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus), Congress of the People (COPE), and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), alongside regional structures like the SACP.
Key contesting parties
- African National Congress (ANC): The current majority governing party in the municipality.
- Democratic Alliance (DA): The primary official opposition party.
- Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF): Holds an established presence in the local council.
- Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus): Active participant in local governance and council seats.
- Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP): Present on certified candidate ward lists for the region.
- Congress of the People (COPE): Historically represented in the municipal council
- Gatvol Voice for Change (Civic orgnisation): Voice for Cahnge states in its manifesto that it continues to take politics to the people.”Local is Lekker”
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