THOHOYANDOU, Limpopo — Thohoyandou in Limpopo’s far north has become the epicenter of a political proxy battle between the African National Congress (ANC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) as both dominant parties draw battle lines ahead of the November 2026 Local Government Elections. The surge in coordinated political activity signals a fierce contest for voter support in the region, with both parties staging significant rallies to galvanize their respective bases.
The visual contrast across the region was stark. EFF supporters, identifiable by their signature red berets and regalia, held their gatherings, while just kilometers away in Sibasa, ANC supporters clad in black, green, and gold descended upon Makwarela Stadium. This deliberate show of counterforce clearly outlined the anticipated battlegrounds for the upcoming municipal elections.
Addressing the crowd, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, the ANC Limpopo Chairperson, firmly rejected any notion that the gathering was intended to disrupt opposing political activities. She emphasized that the rally was rooted in honoring the legacy of former President Nelson Mandela, who held a deep affection for the province.
“How do we destabilize any political party when we go to our home? This is our home,” Dr. Ramathuba stated. “All we are saying is we’re here to celebrate President Nelson Mandela’s legacy because he loved Limpopo. He loved Vhembe, he loved Thulamela. This is his home. He supported it fully. So there’s no better place where we can celebrate him than a place where he is loved the most.”
Dr. Ramathuba further clarified the ANC’s stance, noting that the party was focused on its own agenda rather than interfering with neighboring political events. “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,” she added.
Beyond political messaging, the ANC’s gathering heavily featured service delivery and infrastructure development commitments. A senior ANC speaker addressing the gathering highlighted critical healthcare projects, specifically mentioning Tshilidzini Hospital and Elim Hospital, which drew enthusiastic responses from the attendees.
“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 declared, successfully pivoting the crowd’s attention to the broader mandate of fixing local government.
Underscoring the ANC’s commitment to municipal revitalization, the speaker announced active collaborations with regional leaders to fast-track infrastructure development. “The African National Congress has said, ‘Let’s fix local government.’ We are working with some of the local government here,” the speaker noted, adding that Comrade Makoro John Mpe, the Peter Mokaba Regional Chairperson, could confirm ongoing work regarding the a water treatment plant in Polokwane.
The address concluded with a direct call to action for all municipalities in the region to prioritize and submit their infrastructure development projects, reinforcing the ANC’s strategic push to address service delivery challenges head-on as the November 2026 Local Government Elections approach.