The IEC yesterday released the results of the Makhado municipal Ward 9 by-election, which took place on Wednesday, 2 April.
Four candidates contested the by-election, namely the African National Congress (ANC)'s Khumbudzo Madzhini, the Democratic Alliance (DA)'s Marietjie Wentzel, the Umkhonto Wesizwe Party (MK)'s Ranie Naidoo, and the African People's Convention (APC)'s Fhatuwani Mugwena.
Ward 9 is considered one of the "town" wards, covering the area west of the N1 in Louis Trichardt, as well as the area north of the town, including Eltivillas, Matshavhawe, and Khunda villages. The Ward 9 seat became vacant following the death of Cllr Kanukani Maphubu in January after a short illness. Maphubu, who represented the ANC, was also a member of the municipality's executive committee.
Wednesday's by-election saw the ANC maintain control in Ward 9, with the party's Fhatuwani Mugwena securing 65.68% of the votes - 999 of the 1,521 valid votes. The DA's Marietjie Wentzel received 29.58% (450 votes), while the MK's Ranie Naidoo managed only 4.14% (63 votes). The APC's Fhatuwani Mugwena secured just nine votes (0.59%).
In total, there were 10 spoiled votes in a by-election that saw a relatively low voter turnout of only 36.68%.