By-election fever heats up in Roodepan and Platfontein

NEGLECTED areas of Roodepan and Platfontein have become a hive of political activity, with some residents noting a sudden uptick in service delivery following the announcement of a by-election in Ward 1, scheduled for July 23.

The Patriotic Alliance (PA) gained control of the ward after ANC councillor Ferguson Morris Moses defected to the PA last year.

The MK Party (MKP), DA, EFF, ANC and PA will be contesting the by-election and are in the process of selecting candidates. The GOOD Party and the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) have opted not to participate.

The seat became vacant after PA ward councillor Johan Loff resigned, citing fears for his and his family’s safety.

In his resignation letter, Loff indicated that following an encounter with PA leader Gayton McKenzie, he realised that it was “a sign that it was time to move on”.

“I do not want to stay in a position where I am no longer wanted. I also do not want to be an absent councillor to my community. They deserve my full attention and service delivery, which I cannot give to them anymore,” he said.

He added that the decision was not an easy one.

“I wish to thank the community of Ward 1 for putting their trust in me to serve them. This was not an easy decision, but they deserve to be served by a councillor and a party that will not make empty promises and leave the councillor without any support.”

Meanwhile, both the ANC and DA will mark Youth Day with campaigns in Roodepan on Monday.

ANC provincial spokesperson Sandiseni Sithole said the party would be on the ground in Roodepan, campaigning ahead of the upcoming by-election.

“We also encourage people from all walks of life, irrespective of their political affiliations, to attend the Youth Day event organised by the provincial government, as it is a rich commemoration of our country’s history,” Sithole added.

Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul is expected to deliver the keynote address at the Youth Day rally at Lucretia Primary School in Roodepan on June 16 from 10am.

The spokesperson for the Office of the Premier, Naledi Gaosekwe, said build-up programmes would be held across the province ahead of Youth Day, including sporting and cultural events aimed at promoting social cohesion, nation-building and unity.

“Government services will also be available for the community on that day. These include Sassa and the Department of Home Affairs,” Gaosekwe added.

DA caucus chairperson Elize Niemann said the DA would also hold a Youth Day rally at the Roodepan soccer field on Monday at 10am.

“We will host the event with party resources instead of state funds. Member of Parliament Liam Jacobs will be the keynote speaker. Everyone is welcome to attend,” Niemann said.

EFF provincial leader Shadrack Tlhaole confirmed that the party would contest Ward 1, although he admitted they did not have high hopes of winning.

“We have received slow but steady growth in voter support in the ward,” he added.

GOOD councillor Santa Johnson said the party would instead focus on the 2026 local government elections.