Parties rally for votes ahead of hotly contested Ward 1 by-election

WITH electioneering in full swing in Platfontein and Roodepan ahead of the Ward 1 by-election on July 23, the Patriotic Alliance (PA) is already claiming the ward as its own.

PA leader Gayton McKenzie, who was in Kimberley this week, pointed out that Platfontein only becomes a focus of attention during elections.

“I eradicated pit toilets in the Karoo and I can do the same in Platfontein. The PA is responsible for the by-election — we removed our former councillor Johan Loff because he missed three council meetings. We would rather have someone hardworking. Our candidate is Rufaro van der Ross. We will appoint a resident from Platfontein to serve as the PR councillor after the by-election,” said McKenzie.

He criticised the use of taxpayers’ money to run election campaigns under the guise of service delivery programmes.

“I have much more access to state funds, but I will not misuse them. I always tell my voters, if they give you a food parcel, take it — but put your cross where it matters most. They can hand out as many SMME containers with the premier’s face on them, but the ANC will not win.”

McKenzie also indicated that he planned to meet with the Kimberley Action Group (KAG) this week in an attempt to discourage the group from staging a city shutdown on July 14.

“Much more can be achieved by voting in the right people.”

However, KAG march organiser Boyce Makodi said he was not aware of any attempt to meet with McKenzie.

“We have resolved not to meet with any political party as this is an apolitical movement. We will not be used for campaigning purposes,” said Makodi.

PA member Liam Jacobs, who recently defected from the DA, was also campaigning in Roodepan and Platfontein this week.

“The first step in fixing the city is to expose the rot, potholes and deplorable conditions at the Roodepan flats. Council needs to address the gross neglect of the city,” he said.

He was confident that the PA would win the ward. 

“The expenditure on the R2.5 billion water upgrade project should also be investigated,” Jacobs added.

Meanwhile, MK Party by-election spokesperson Kim Biko announced that commander Tito Ponde from the !Xuhn (San) community of Platfontein would stand as their candidate.

“For too long, the vibrant and culturally rich community of Platfontein has been underrepresented. Ponde embodies the vision to champion the cultural, language and traditions and empower the Platfontein community,” said Biko.

“Their voices have been silenced, their traditions and identities overlooked, simply because they lacked a dedicated representative who truly understands and respects their unique cultural heritage.” 

Biko said their campaign focused on cultural recognition and improved services.

“It is not just about political representation, it’s about restoring honour, dignity and respect to Platfontein. We have a big support base in Platfontein. In Roodepan, voters are supporting the individual more than a particular party. Ponde will be the first councillor from Platfontein if he is elected.

“Ponde's leadership will ensure that the community's voice is heard at every level of government — where traditions thrive alongside modern development.”

DA councillors Ockie Fourie and Elize Niemann added that they were “on the ground” in the cold and dusty streets of Platfontein ahead of the by-election.

The DA candidate is Gladwin (Babes) Francis and the ANC candidate is Rosie Ludick.

Meanwhile, ANC posters featuring the smiling face of President Cyril Ramaphosa have been attached to most lamp poles in Roodepan.

Several government programmes have recently been held in the area.

On July 15, the Northern Cape MEC for Social Development, Nontobeko Vilakazi, will lead a high-impact Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP) in Platfontein, under the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality.

ICROP is a flagship initiative of the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) to bring government and social services directly to communities, especially those in remote, rural, and historically marginalised areas.

In a joint statement issued by the Department of Social Development and Sassa Northern Cape, it was indicated that Platfontein was among the most vulnerable communities in the Northern Cape, grappling with entrenched social challenges such as unemployment, teenage pregnancy, gender-based violence, substance abuse, child neglect and poverty.

“This ICROP will provide a platform for direct engagement between the community, MEC Vilakazi, various government departments and other key stakeholders. The objective is to develop immediate and long-term sustainable responses to social challenges, strengthen service delivery, and restore dignity and opportunities for residents,” read the statement.

 “A wide range of government departments and partners will deliver on-site services, including social grant applications, assistance with birth and identity documents, support for victims of gender-based violence and substance abuse, health screenings, youth and community development, social casework and referrals, and more on Tuesday.”