THOHOYANDOU, Limpopo — As the November Local Government Elections 2026 approach, Thohoyandou has emerged as a fierce proxy battleground between the African National Congress (ANC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Thohoyandou, Limpopo. The region witnessed a stark political divide yesterday, with both dominant parties mobilizing significant grassroots support to secure their footing in the upcoming municipal contest.
The visual dichotomy across the area was impossible to miss. While EFF supporters mobilized in their signature red berets and regalia, ANC members clad in black, green, and gold converged on Makwarela Stadium in nearby Sibasa. This synchronized display of counterforce effectively mapped out the electoral fault lines and anticipated flashpoints for the region.
Addressing the gathered crowds, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, the ANC Limpopo Chairperson, dismissed any suggestion that the gathering was a tactical disruption of a neighboring political event. Instead, she framed the assembly as a heartfelt homage to former President Nelson Mandela.
“How do we destabilize any political party when we go to our home? This is our home,” Dr. Ramathuba asserted. She emphasized that Mandela deeply loved Limpopo, specifically the Vhembe and Thulamela regions, making it the most fitting location to honor his legacy. She drew a clear boundary between the two simultaneous events, stating, “We are not going to any other person’s rally. There’s a rally next door and they are doing their own rally. We are doing our own rally. We’re not destabilizing anybody. Our supporters, those who love the ANC, are here to celebrate the legacy of their icon, President Mandela.”
Beyond political messaging, the rally served as a platform for concrete service delivery commitments. Another ANC speaker took the stage, highlighting two critical healthcare facilities currently under review: Tshilidzini Hospital and Elim Hospital. The mention of these long-awaited projects was met with a visceral mix of groans, screams, and eventual cheering from the audience, reflecting both the urgency of the community’s needs and their engagement with the party’s promises.
“I want to assure you that we will do whatever it takes to deliver these hospitals to the people, because the people of Limpopo have demonstrated their patriotism and love for the country,” the speaker vowed, before pivoting the focus squarely onto municipal governance.
Declaring that the ANC’s current mandate is to “fix local government,” the speaker highlighted active collaborations with regional leadership to resolve systemic issues. They noted that Comrade Makoro could verify ongoing interventions, specifically citing developmental work already underway at the Mona water treatment plant in Polokwane.
The address concluded with a direct mandate for regional municipalities, urging all local government entities to proactively submit their infrastructure development projects to the provincial leadership. This coordinated push signals the ANC’s strategic intent to resolve service delivery deficits and solidify voter confidence before the electorate heads to the polls in November.
