By-elections: EFF retains Malema's home ward in Seshego
The Economic Freedom Fighters have won the by-elections in Seshego under Polokwane Municipality in Limpopo on Wednesday.
The EFF retained ward 13, which is party leader Julius Malema's home ward, by 57%.
It was followed by the African National Congress with 41%, the South African Communist Party with only 1%, while the All Citizens Party and Labour Party of South Africa both scored 0%.
The Ward 13 by-elections were held after EFF ward councillor Mathews Leballo was fired for failing to attend Polokwane municipal council meetings.
♦️In Pictures♦️
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) July 16, 2025
President @Julius_S_Malema engaging with Fighters in Ward 13, Seshego, during the by-elections.
President is expressing gratitude to the people of Ward 13 — especially the elders — for their continued belief in the EFF. pic.twitter.com/uSMUCWOf8k
Speaking to the media after casting his vote at Mponegele Primary School on Wednesday, Malema said disciplinary action will be taken against Leballo.
"A lot of resources have been utilized for this day alone because of the conduct of one individual, and the organization cannot turn a blind eye," said Malema.
"The organisation has to pay attention to that particular individual because I'm told he's still a member of the EFF."
Michael Ramaphoko is expected to take over the ward as an EFF councillor.
The ANC had hoped to win back the ward, which has been under the red berets since 2016.
"If you check from 2016, 2021, 2024, we have been bridging the gaps. In 2016, the gap was very wide. If you check the results of 2021, you will realize that the gap was now a bit narrower."
"Now, if you check in 2024, the Economic Freedom Fighters won this one with 20 votes," said ANC provincial secretary Reuben Madadzhe.
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