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ANC loses ground in Merafong as new movement wins ward

Published

Ongoing: Elections Hot

The ANC fell to 33.9% of the vote and 17 of 49 council seats in Merafong Local Municipality, with all votes declared. The DA came second on 23%, and the EFF took third place on 8%.

The ANC won 48.9% of the vote and 27 seats in Merafong in 2021. The DA now holds 11 seats and the EFF holds 4 seats. In 2021 the DA had 16% and the EFF had 15%.

One Merafong Organisation (OMO) is a newly formed community movement. It contested a local election for the first time and won a ward the ANC held before. Its Secretary General, Buti Mthembu, said the community was on its side and everybody was excited.

Mthembu said residents had endured years of poor service delivery and maladministration. He said the ANC forgot the people who voted for it and needed to be taught a lesson. OMO called for the arrest of municipal officials it alleges are corrupt.

Key facts

Who
Buti Mthembu (Secretary General of One Merafong Organisation); One Merafong Organisation (newly formed community movement contesting the 2026 Local Government Elections); ANC (former ward holder in Merafong Municipality); African National Congress (party that lost ground in Merafong)
What
One Merafong Organisation (OMO), contesting the 2026 Local Government Elections for the first time, won a ward previously held by the ANC in Merafong Municipality. OMO has called for the arrest of allegedly corrupt municipal officials.
When
6 November 2026
Where
Merafong Municipality, Merafong Local Municipality, Carletonville
Status
Reported

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