Vote buying controversy marred Fetakgomo Tubatse by-elections

MPHANAMA – A controversy emerged in Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality (FTLM) Ward 37, where  opposition political parties accused the African National Congress (ANC) of engaging in vote buying during the recent by-elections, held on Wednesday 5 November 2025.

The ANC won the by-elections with a whopping 71% of the votes, but the opposition is crying foul, alleging that the ruling party bribed voters with food parcels and other incentives.

According to the opposition political organizations, the ANC distributed groceries, including rice, cooking oil, sugar, and loaves of bread, to residents in exchange for their votes.

The parties allege that the ANC used corruption money generated through kickbacks from service providers who are doing business with the municipalities to fund their lavish campaign.

The opposition parties claim that the act is a clear contravention of Section 91 of the Electoral Act, which prohibits any person or party from offering, promising, or giving any reward, benefit, or advantage to induce a voter to vote or not vote for a particular party or candidate.

“We are deeply concerned that the ANC has resorted to exploiting the socio-economic hardships faced by our communities for political gain. Vote buying is a tool used to manipulate election outcomes, and it is extremely damaging to our communities,” said Tonic Manchidi, ActionSA Treasurer in Limpopo.

He indicated that the alleged vote buying practices include the distribution of food parcels, promises of EPWP jobs, and even small amounts of money.

While these may offer short-term relief, Manchidi warned that the long-term consequences are dire, leading to poor service delivery, lack of clean water and proper sanitation, deteriorating road infrastructure, high unemployment, and limited economic opportunities.

The ANC has denied the allegations, claiming that the groceries were donations to those in need, not inducements to vote for the party.

“We were not trying to buy votes, we were trying to help our people who are suffering,” said Tala Mathope, ANC Secretary in Sekhukhune Region.

Mathope also refuted the claims that the party used taxpayers’ funds during the campaign, saying that the ANC in Sekhukhune has an active bank account to run its affairs properly, including campaigns and donating to vulnerable communities in the region.

However, opposition parties are not buying it, and are calling on residents to never be traded for something that will not last beyond the next day.

“Your vote is your voice, your power, and your future,” said Manchidi.