Youths and women are in the minority of those who have entered as candidates in the by-election for the four vacant wards in the Mangaung Metro Municipality. The by-election commenced today, Tuesday with special votes and will end tomorrow – Wednesday, with the general public members, qualifying casting their ballot at the voting stations in the respective wards.
According to data compiled by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), 27 candidates have registered for the fiercely contested by-election, which will culminate in four taking up the position of councillor in the wards 7, 29, 49 and 50.
These wards are in the following towns: Bloemfontein (ward 7), Botshabelo (ward 29), Thaba Nchu (ward 49) and Dewetsdorp (ward 50).
The positions of councillor became vacant early this year after the ruling ANC party sacked the representatives, apparently punishing them for voting with opposition parties. This culminated in the ruling party losing the powerful position of speaker in the Mangaung Metro council to the DA, with Maryke Davies elected to the position after receiving 53 votes.
Of the 27 candidates vying for the four positions, nine are women and three are senior citizens, while the rest are younger than 40 years.
In total, 13 young people have entered the by-election, representing their political parties. The youngest woman amongst the 27 candidates is Nyakallo Jeannette Khatlako (22) of the Active African Christians United Movement (AACUM). She is one of the six candidates contesting for the position of councillor for ward 29 in Botshabelo.
A total of 331 new voters registered ahead of the municipal ward by-elections, but youths continue to show a dwindling interest in local and national politics.
The other contesting women are Lerato Florence Johane (32) and Lerato Charllote Mphanya (27) of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP); Portia Goliath (34) of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) for ward 7; Malesoane Esther Sefako (37) of the DA for ward 7; Mmabore Agnes Rabolinyane (29) of AACUM for ward 50; Nkahiseng Reginah Shale (45) of the EFF for ward 49; Sekwaila Maria Nakeng (47) of the DA for ward 50; and Mohanuwa Julia Lekhwele (54) of the ANC for ward 49.
Five candidates who previously represented the ANC are now independent. The other not-so-popular parties contesting in the by-election are Lentswe La Batho and Progress.
