WELKOM – 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.

The ANC, which controls the municipality, has identified incumbent mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha as a possible mayoral candidate, 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.

Khalipha convicted of assault

He has also reportedly been named among ANC members facing disciplinary action over allegations of bringing the party into disrepute.

The political contest comes as residents continue to face water and electricity interruptions.

This, in addition to inadequate refuse collection, deteriorating roads and persistent sewerage problems, with sewage reportedly flowing into streets, rivers, and residential properties.

Concerns over water quality have further heightened public anxiety. Testing conducted in 2026 reportedly detected pathogens associated with Rotavirus A, Campylobacter, enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Cryptosporidium.

Matjhabeng is also facing financial and administrative challenges, with provincial intervention efforts aimed at stabilising the municipality. A low revenue collection rate and substantial debts owed to major service providers have added to the pressure.

DA proposes experienced man

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.

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.

EFF focuses on basic services

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.

Following the 2021 LGE, eight political parties are represented in the Council.

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.

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