Thousands of voters in Middelpos, Saldanha Bay, are set to cast their ballots as the highly anticipated by-elections are expected to take place.

This comes at a tense time for the community, still reeling from the disappearance of 6-year-old Joshlin Smith on February 19, 2024.

Elections for the special voters took place yesterday, with the majority of voters casting their ballots today.

The candidates include Siyabulelo Mafenuka from the ANC, Geraldine Kordom from the DA, Feziwe Ngxumza from the EFF, Veronique Lizelle Pretorius from the GOOD Party, Mosselinah Nonceba Mtyatyamba from the Patriotic Alliance (PA), Zedra Rosetta Abrahams from the People’s Movement for Change (PMC), Petros Mohle from the Truth and Solidarity Movement, and Mzwandile Simon Biko from uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party).

The ward was previously held by the ANC, but councillor Siyabulela Liwani passed away in December.

ANC provincial spokesperson, Muhammad Khalid Sayed, expressed confidence in retaining the ward.

“The effort that has been put in by our volunteers on the ground has been tremendous. The ANC, through its various councillors, has served the ward with distinction, despite the challenges posed by the DA-led coalition in the Saldanha Bay Municipality.

“We have also brought national ministers to the area to showcase what the ANC can deliver from a national perspective. While anything can change in politics, we believe our efforts will pay off during the voting period," Sayed said.

Brett Herron, GOOD Party secretary-general, commented on the party’s commitment to addressing community issues.

“It is clear that this community has been neglected by the current administration, leaving many residents in poverty and without hope.

"Diazville and Middelpos struggle with high unemployment, gangsterism, and drug abuse. GOOD’s candidate, Veronique ‘Nnopi’ Pretorius, is a resident committed to fighting for better services and lawful housing allocation rights.”

MK Party deputy president, John Hlophe, emphasised the need for representation.

“We are not represented in the area, and the people are suffering.

"The MK Party is dedicated to stopping the Government of National Unity (GNU) from raising taxes, which only harms our communities.”

The PMC, led by former ANC provincial chairperson Marius Fransman, is also contesting the election.

Spokesperson Grant Harmse called on residents to break free from neglect.

“Zahida ‘Zedra’ Abrahams was born and raised in the heart of Middelpos. She knows your struggles because she’s shared them. Her hands-on work with schools, churches, non-governmental organisations, and youth programmes reflects her dedication to this community.”

Cape Argus